Category Archives: Holidays

October 10, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Anna Focuses On a New Suspect, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Watches For Later, Costumes For the Famous Or Not, Halloween Pet Safety, Not 8 Or 10 Quotes & Somebody

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What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…                                                                        

Monday:

Portia asked Elizabeth about processing time and if it was Britt’s first day. Elizabeth said, more like first half day.

Coming back from the shower, Britt found Jason in her room.

At Bobbie’s, Carly told Jack that she was sorry to cancel plans with him. She would have rather spent time with him than Anna. Anna asked her questions about the night Drew got shot and she couldn’t shake the feeling she said something wrong. Jack said she had an unimpeachable alibi with him, and she said, except she wasn’t, but he said it didn’t matter. He wouldn’t let it happen.

Curtis went to see Alexis and said he’d gotten her message. She said she thought the police were close to making an arrest and thought he should know. He asked if she thought they were going to arrest him.

Isaiah told Drew that he had no adverse effects from his ill-advised trip to the church, and Drew said it was his mother’s memorial. Isaiah said, sorry for his loss, and Drew said Isaiah was being short and curt. What did he do to him?

Tracy met Martin outside Bobbie’s and told him to make it snappy. She was going to the reading of Monica’s will. He showed her some paperwork and said, read it and weep.

Olivia told Michael that since he’d be the official owner of the property, they needed to get a pizza oven. Brook asked, why? and Olivia said Thanksgiving was always a full throttle disaster and they ended up ordering pizza. Why didn’t they skip the drama and make their own? Michael said it was fine by him, when the doorbell rang. Ned answered it and it was Ronnie. She said she was there for the reading of Monica’s will, and he said, she must be from Miller and Davis, but she said she was a member of the family.

Britt asked what Jason was doing in his room, and he said, technically, it was his room. She said that didn’t give him the right to come in and he needed to go. She shoved him out the door and closed it.

Carly wondered why Jack hadn’t asked her if she shot Drew, and he said it didn’t matter. He’d cover for her anyway. She said she didn’t do it. There was a time in her life when she would have gone after Drew, but now she had too much to lose – her kids, her grandkids, Jason, him. She cared about him. He said he cared about her too, very much, and she said she thought he was the last thing she needed, but it turned out that he was exactly when she needed. She could trust and rely on him, no matter what. He said he hoped she always felt that way, when Josslyn walked in. She and Carly hugged.

Alexis said she didn’t know if Curtis was a suspect, but knew there was a long line of them. Anna called her for a meeting, but it was canceled and not rescheduled. That led her to believe there was new evidence that made her less suspicious. Curtis said she didn’t ask if he did it, and she said, whoever did it was driven to and if he felt like they were closing in, he needed to get his ducks in a row and protect himself.

Isaiah said Drew had done nothing to him, but Stella was a friend, and he’d jeopardized her career, health, and freedom. Drew said he didn’t get Stella arrested, but got the charges dropped, and Isaiah asked, why? Drew said, maybe he wasn’t the heartless bastard people thought, despite Curtis’s spin in the media. The good guy they knew Curtis to be was gone and had been replaced by a volatile, vindictive, controlling jerk. Isaiah worked with Curtis’s wife and saw how he treated her.

Tracy laughed, and Martin said there was nothing funny about her throwing someone out who was recovering from injuries. She said she escorted Drew out from a service he wasn’t invited to, and Martin said they were going for assault. She’d jeopardized the life of a sitting US congressman. She said it would be thrown out as quickly as she’d thrown Drew out, and he said so she admitted attacking Drew. She could make it go away for a price, maybe a simple apology. She said, nope. If they wanted to sue, she’d see them court. He said she couldn’t admit when she was w and couldn’t spare any kindness to anyone, but she said, just him and Drew.

Ned introduced Ronnie to the family, and Ned said Monica had never mentioned her. Ronnie said they’d been estranged for many years, and Olivia said, yet here she was, late for the memorial, but on time for the reading of the will. Ronnie said she was there. She’d read the memorial was private, so she went to the crypt to pay her respects. She guessed Tracy didn’t tell them. Brook said, Ronnie met her grandmother? and Ronnie said she certainly did. It didn’t go well. Tracy kicked her off the property. Olivia said she bought that part, and Ronnie said she came back because she’d been contacted by Miller and Davis about the will. She’d wait outside until they got here. Michael told her to stay and tell them more about herself, and Ronnie said her life was an open book. Questions?

Josslyn told Carly that she’d caught an early flight and had come in for a caffeine fix. Jack told her, welcome home. Her mother missed her. Josslyn said she missed her mom too, and Carly said she wanted to hear every detail after she put Josslyn’s order in, then went in the back.

Isaiah said he didn’t think Drew should speak for Dr. Robinson, and Drew said he and Curtis used to be best friends. He’d brought Curtis into Aurora, and they’d had a business disagreement. Curtis had been trying to tear him down ever since. Isaiah said Drew didn’t strike him as a fragile flower, and Drew said he gave as good as he got, but Curtis’s accusations were baseless. Don’t get sucked in. Isaiah said he’d make sure Drew’s PT knew he was clear for therapy, and left.

Ned said, so after their parents died, she and Monica went to an orphanage? and Ronnie said they were separated in foster care. Her sister was placed with Dr. Gail Adamson and after a falling out later, they lost touch. Olivia said, it must have been major, and Ronnie said, it was and it wasn’t. She thought the main thing that kept them apart was that they were both stubborn and convinced they were right. Ned said that tracks, and Ronnie said Monica went on to live her life in Port Charles and she lived in Durham. When Monica wrote to her last year, it had been decades since she’d heard from her. She’d written that she’d been ill, but Ronnie didn’t know to what extent. They wrote back and forth until Monica passed. Brook said Monica never mentioned Ronnie to any of them, and Ronnie said Monica told her about them. Olivia was Ned’s wife and Monica said she was a marvelous cook and a wonderful mother to her grandnephew Leo. She surmised Brook was Ned’s daughter and was more beautiful than Monica described. And of course (🍷), there was Michael. She could see his grandmother in him. There was steel in him, but also fire. She saw Monica’s kindness in his eyes. Monica was so proud of all of them and wrote about them in such glowing terms, she thought they weren’t real. Now here she was, meeting them in person. She just wished Monica was there as well.  

Jason knocked at his room door and Britt said, give her the key. He couldn’t come in whenever he wanted. She could have been naked. He said, for the record, he’d knocked. He came to pack the rest of his things, which she’d asked him to do. She said she needed to get ready for work, which was his cue to leave, and he said he would, but he wanted to see how she was doing now that her brother was back in town. He’d spoken to Spinelli and wondered why she tried to stop James from seeing his dad.

Curtis met Marshall outside of Bobbie’s for coffee, and he said he’d just come from Alexis’s. The PCPD had new evidence and was closing in on a suspect. He had no idea who it was, but he was betting the police did a thorough sweep of Drew’s house, which meant they possibly found the blackmail material Drew was using on Portia. Marshall said it would give them a motive, and Curtis said, which meant they could be in big trouble.

Isaiah went to Portia’s office and said he wanted to follow up on their last conversation about them.

Britt said Spinelli probably thought she was spiteful and jealous, but Jason said Spinelli was grateful for her input. Britt said her mother wasn’t speaking to her and fawning over Nathan. She was worried Nathan wasn’t ready and thought it would be overwhelming. She didn’t think it was fair to suddenly throw James into a relationship with a man he’d never met and thought was dead. It was like when she ran into Ben… Rocco. She wanted to reconnect, but knew it would be too overwhelming. Nathan and James hit it off right away. Everyone was right. She was wrong. Jason said he didn’t think she was wrong to put James’s needs first. She was a good person, and he didn’t know why she sold herself short.  

Josslyn said it took longer than she thought it would, but she found a caregiver for Mrs. Walker, and Carly said Lady Jane would be proud of her. She was proud of her. Josslyn said she managed to squeeze in some fun and spent a week at the family beach house. It was magical. Jack said he was glad she had a good time, when Carly’s phone rang. She said it was the MetroCourt, and stepped away. Josslyn said Jack was alive and Carly wasn’t screaming at her, so she assumed Carly knew nothing about Croatia. Jack said, no, and she never would.

Tracy walked in as Ronnie was telling stories and making everyone laugh. She asked what Ronnie was doing there. She’d made it perfectly clear Ronnie wasn’t welcome. She shouted for Yuri to come with the taser, but Michael said, cancel the taser. This was Monica’s sister, which made her his great aunt. Tracy said, first Cody brought in a stray dog. Now they’ve brought in this… Ronnie got up and suggested she not finish, and Olivia said Ronnie had been contacted by Miller and Davis, but Tracy said they’d see about that. Alexis came in, and Tracy asked if Alexis had asked Ronnie to be there. Alexis said it depended. Was she Veronica Bard? Ronnie said she was and to call her Ronnie, and Alexis said she did ask her. Should they get started? Tracy said, by all means.

Jack said Croatia would be kept secret, and Josslyn said she had it. She’d maintain her cover at PCU. She could use a degree if the spy thing didn’t work out. He said their only lead was the research in Port Charles, and she asked if he’d questioned Britt. He said he would when the time was right, and she said she was relieved Britt hadn’t outed her. Then there was Jason. Jack said he thought she assured him that he wouldn’t tell, and she said, Jason was usually good with that, but given how close he and Carly were, she didn’t know if he could keep the secret forever. Jack said he’d handle Jason, and she asked what he meant, when Carly came back. Jack said he had to run to a meeting, and left.

Britt said she forgot to ask how the memorial service was, and Jason said, it was nice, until Drew showed up. She asked what he did, and Jason said, nothing. Tracy grabbed his wheelchair and wheeled him out of the chapel. She said, how Quartermainesque, and he said today was the reading of the will. He’d considered not going. She said he should go, and he said, okay. He’d come back to get his stuff. She asked him to call first if he could, and he said he’d be happy to. He’d see her later.

Portia said she was glad Isaiah was willing to give them a chance. Was he sure? Isaiah said he had reservations and they weren’t all gone, but he had no illusions. She asked, why? and he said when they first got together, there were issues in her marriage, but he wasn’t wrong in thinking there were feelings, was he? She said, no, but he was concerned she was using him as a crash pad while she worked things out with Curtis. It was never that and her marriage was over, but… He said, here it comes, and she said, they had no official plans to divorce. She wasn’t looking for a serious relationship, and he had to decide if he could be okay with that.

Marshall said when he asked if Curtis thought Portia was guilty, he didn’t answer, and Curtis said all he knew was that he didn’t shoot Drew. Portia had no alibi, but it hadn’t been a problem because they had no reason to suspect her. Marshal said, but if they found something that Drew was holding over her, they might call her in for questioning, and Curtis said, no. Unless they questioned Drew first. Marshall said, or maybe they didn’t find any proof, and Curtis wondered why. Maybe Drew was keeping it somewhere other than his house or didn’t have it anymore.  

Martin told Drew that he met with Tracy. As expected, she refused to make a settlement or apologize. Drew said he wanted to make her pay, and Martin asked if they should move forward with the suit. Drew asked if she showed no remorse, and Martin said, none. The reading of the will was today. Drew said he had to get down there. He wasn’t notified. He’d told Martin that they’d try to cut him out of the will. Martin said, stop. He was sorry to be the one to tell Drew, but he wasn’t in Monica’s will.

Alexis started to read the will, but Tracy suggested she skip the legalese. Alexis said she’d skip over the provisions for Yuri and the staff and read: To my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, you’ve all brought me such joy and comfort. She wished she could be around to watch them blossom into wonderful adults, but she left trust funds to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren there at the time of her death. Olivia said Daisy would get a trust fund, and Alexis said, to Brook, Monica left her pearl necklace; to Ned, she left her classic vinyl collection; and to Ned’s spicy wife Olivia, she left her entire collection of gourmet cookware. To her sister, she bequeathed her oldest and most cherished possession. Alexis handed Ronnie a small envelope, and Ronnie slid out a locket. She said, oh my God, and started to cry. She said it was a photo of them when they were kids, before they were separated. She couldn’t believe Monica kept it. Tracy mumbled, so much for the gold-digger’s wish for a windfall, and Alexis said, to my dearest sister-in-law and long-term sparring partner, Tracy Quartermaine, I leave a special gift. She handed Tracy a box, and Tracy looked inside and said, what the hell is this?  

Josslyn said Carly and Jack were still going strong, and Carly said she was glad to have Jack to lean on. Michael told her that Carly threatened to kill Drew. Carly said she did, but she didn’t do it. She was with Jack. Josslyn said she was guessing Michael was the main suspect, and Carly said, don’t worry. If the police didn’t believe him, Jason promised that he wouldn’t let Michael go to prison. Josslyn said Jason would do anything for Carly, when Britt came downstairs. She said, how lovely to see Josslyn again.

Portia said her life was a mess, and Isaiah said he needed to see where this went. He still wanted to keep it a secret – for now.  Portia agreed, and he said, for her, he’d take the risk. Portia said she’d never want him to be hurt by her, but he said he’d take the chance. How about dinner at his cabin? It was a work in progress… She said it sounded perfect.

Marshall wondered if Drew had a come to Jesus meeting, since it sounded like he’d gotten close to meeting Jesus, and Curtis said, if they could only be so lucky, but he needed to know for sure. He was going to see Drew. Marshall asked if he thought Drew was going to admit that he’d lost his power over Curtis and his wife, and Curtis said, not directly. But if he gave Drew a reason to blackmail him, and he didn’t take the bait, it could be telling.

Tracy asked if this was a joke, but Alexis said there was no further explanation. Ned asked what Monica left her, and Tracy said, a jar of her mother’s relish. When her father died, he cut her out of the will. The only thing he gave ger was a jar of PickleLila relish. Monica knew how much it hurt her. Jason walked in and apologized for being late, but Alexis said he was right on time. To her beloved son Jason, Monica left his father Alan’s watch, left to him by Edward Quartermaine. They’d always said they missed out on so much together, it would be a reminder that she cherished every second they spent together. (I thought this looked like my first Timex and wondered why they couldn’t spring for a halfway decent designer knock-off.)

At the hospital, Curtis asked Elizabeth what room number Drew was in, and she asked if he thought it was a good idea. He promised not to cause a scene, and she gave him the number. Isaiah came by and said he and Curtis needed to get a few things straight.

Josslyn said, oh my God. You’re dead. You died saving my life. Carly said she forgot to tell Josslyn, and Josslyn said she just got back from Australia. Britt said, no kidding. Good for her. It must be a shock. She thought the word Josslyn was looking for was thank you. Josslyn thanked Britt for saving her life, and Britt said maybe Josslyn’s mom could thank her by fixing the non-existent water pressure. Carly said it was the first of the month and the rent was due, and Britt said, tell Jason. Carly said she was telling Britt. Her building, her rules. Britt had until midnight. Britt said, perhaps they could talk about what Carly owed her.

Portia said Britt did a decent job before she took off, and Elizabeth said she’d talk to Britt today, but Portia said it was her bright idea to rehire Britt. She’d take care of it. She’d give Terry a heads up. She went to the door, but then leaned against the wall. Elizabeth asked if she was okay, and Portia said she was feeling dizzy. Elizabeth wondered if she’d eaten and led her to a chair. (Rut-roh. I wonder if she’s pregnant.)

Martin said he was sure it hurt, and Drew said part of him hoped that he and Monica could get some of their old relationship back, but that was never going to happen. He just didn’t know. But now he knows he has nothing to gain from the family – and nothing to lose.

Alexis said, to Michael Corinthos III, Monica left all of her horses, cars, and the family yacht. Tracy said, and? and Alexis said, and for the remainder of her estate, including the house that Alan gave her at 66 Harborview Drive, she leaves them to the cherished sister of her heart – Tracy got all excited – Ms. Veronica Bard. Ronnie said, whaaat?

Tuesday:

We revisited the end of the will reading, and not believing what she heard, Tracy said, do it again. She grabbed the will, said it was ridiculous, and asked Ronnie what she did. Ronnie said she was just as surprised, and Tracy said, Monica made it clear that she was leaving the estate to Michael. When was it changed? Alexis said, relatively recently. Monica went to Edward’s lawyer, Howard Wentworth, and amended it in January. Tracy told Ned to get Howard on the phone.

Anna told Chase that they had to find the gun. It could lead to the shooter. He thought it was still in the display, which Tracy turned into a shrine to her father. Anna said if the gun wasn’t there, that was significant, and asked Chase to find out what was holding up the warrant. He opened the door, letting Emma in, and left. Emma told Anna that she ruined everything. She kissed Gio.

In the ring with Gio, Sonny wore punch mitts because he didn’t want Gio’s hands to get hurt. He began to teach Gio an easy combination, then said, hold on. Gio wasn’t mentally there, which meant he could get hurt. What was on his mind? Gio said he couldn’t stop thinking about Emma.

At Bobbie’s, Josslyn said Carly needed to back off Britt. She was out of line.

Isaiah said before Curtis barged into Drew’s room, Curtis needed to hear him out. Show some consideration for his wife.

Portia said she didn’t know why she was dizzy, and Elizabeth asked when she last ate. Portia said she’d had no time for lunch and skipped breakfast. She felt queasy. Elizabeth said she had no fever and her pulse was normal. Was there any chance she was pregnant?

Josslyn said Heather would have killed her if not for Britt. They owed her. Carly said, of course (🍷) she was grateful, and Josslyn said they’d always be aware of their debt to Britt. Britt asked if Carly’s daughter’s life was worth more than the rent on that crappy little room, and left. Josslyn said she was sorry, but she didn’t want the situation to escalate. She wasn’t choosing sides… Carly said she knew Josslyn was right and she was out of line, but Britt drove her crazy because of Jason.

Alexis said Howard Wentworth retired in May and Monica asked her to handle it, and Tracy asked, where was the original? Alexis said the will was legal and binding and replaced the original, and Tracy said Ronnie would get the property over her dead body. Ronnie said the terms sounded fine to her, and as Tracy retorted, Michael said, stop. The will was clear. Monica had reconnected with her sister and wanted to provide for her. It’s what his grandmother wanted, so he was happy for Ronnie. Ronnie said that was so generous and thanked him. She was having a terrible time wrapping her brain around it. Tracy said the will was fake and would never hold up in court.

Emma said she didn’t get a chance to explain or apologize and it was a mess, and Anna asked if Gio pulled back. Emma said, no, because he was too nice. He’d kissed back. Anna said, so the kiss wasn’t good? but Emma said, it was amazing. She’d wanted to kiss him for months and now it was awkward. Anna said, so they were both acting like it never happened? and Emma said they hadn’t talked about it. She never had a friend like Gio. He got her and understood her passion for animal rights. He was talented, funny, and a really good person. Anna said he was lovely, and Emma said he didn’t want to hurt her feelings by telling her that he wasn’t interested. What should she do?

Gio said he thought Emma was just happy they’d found Outback, and Sonny asked if he regretted the kiss. Gio said, no. It was great. He was so happy, but things were weird between them now. She was avoiding him and he hated that. Turner came in, and Gio said he was taking a minute to get his head right. He left, and Sonny approached Turner. He asked if she boxed, and she said she kickboxed. She’d heard the class at the gym was great. He said he thought she’d be spending every second on the Drew Cain case. He wasn’t asking for information, but thought she might be pressured to make an arrest. She said it was always a pleasure to see him, but he always had an agenda. He told her that he was just saying hello and to have a fun class.

Curtis said he didn’t see how his wife was Isaiah’s business, and Isaiah said the hospital was busy saving lives and Portia was the Co-Chief of Staff. Why was Curtis taking advantage of her position to continue his personal drama with Drew? Curtis said he was visiting a patient. It had nothing to do with Isaiah. Isaiah said Curtis’s enmity for Drew was no secret, but Drew was a patient, and no one would accost him while he was recovering. Curtis asked if Drew asked for no visitors, but Isaiah said the nurses wouldn’t tell Curtis no. If Curtis wanted to pick a fight with Drew, he was good with it, but don’t do it here and put Dr. Robinson in an impossible situation. It wouldn’t be the first time.

Portia laughed and said, can Elizabeth imagine? Elizabeth asked if it was a bad thing, and Portia said with her hectic work schedule, stress made more sense. Elizabeth asked if she could get Portia something to eat, and Portia asked her to get some coconut water. She promised, no more skipped meals, and Elizabeht said, for a second, she thought Portia might actually be pregnant.

Tracy said Ronnie orchestrated the whole thing. What were the odds that Monica never mentioned her once, then she showed up suddenly out of thin air and inherited the estate? She knew a con woman when she saw one. Ronnie said she was a law-abiding citizen who had never been arrested, and Tracy said, good criminals never were. Ned said, it takes one to know one, and Tracy said Michael was the apple of Monica’s eye and the only biological descendant of Alan and Monica. There was no way Monica would disinherit him in favor of a waitress she hadn’t seen in half a century. Brook said, Monica amended the will after she threw Drew out. She probably decided to take Drew out and put Ronnie in. Olivia said, maybe Monica thought Michael was rich enough, and Tracy laughed.

Curtis said, clearly, Isaiah didn’t know him and had a problem with him, when Britt came over and said, nice flexing, gentlemen. Save it for the gym. She gave Isaiah some scans, and Isaiah left. She asked if Curtis was visiting his wife, but he said he was there to see Drew. She said Drew was a high-profile patient who was extra litigious. If Curtis caused a setback, he could put the hospital in a bad position.

Portia thanked Elizabeth for taking care of her, and Elizabeth told Portia to promise she’d let her know if she needed anything. She left, and Portia flashed back to getting busy with Curtis and then getting busy with Isaiah.  

Turner’s phone rang and she said, finally… Confirm the warrant covered the house and all the outbuildings on the property. All structures at 65 Harborview Drive. Then get it to Anna immediately.

Gio said he hated to ask, but thought he needed a favor, and Sonny said, whatever he needed. Gio said he didn’t think he could live with Emma. He’d realized how much he liked her and thought she felt the same way. He was wrong and they could be friends, but he couldn’t be around her all the time. Sonny said it was good thing Gio was getting out, and Gio asked if it would be okay if he stayed with Sonny.

Anna said Emma didn’t know how Gio felt, and Emma said she was sure he was mortified. She should have stayed in the friendzone. Why did she always push things? Anna said Emma knew what she wanted and didn’t settle for less. She got it from her mom. Emma said, and her mom got it from Anna, and Anna said Emma should stop assuming she knew what Gio was feeling. Talk to him. At least she would know the real truth instead of what was going on in her head. She knew it wasn’t easy. There were so many times she would have liked to return to things she did and be completely honest and direct. Learn from her mistakes. Tell Gio how she felt. They hugged, and Anna said, whether Emma and Gio were friends or something more, he was lucky to have her. Chase came back and said he got the warrant.

Carly said she wasn’t a fan of Jason and Britt back in the day, and Josslyn said she thought there had been a truce when they thought Britt died. Carly said, that was then, this was now. Britt let Jason believe she was dead this whole time and if he hadn’t gone to Cassadine Island for her, the FBI wouldn’t have gotten its hooks in him. Meanwhile, Britt was sitting in some spa in Europe and now she was jumping on the Jason bandwagon again. She let Jason buy her an airplane ticket and set her up here. He was a good guy and didn’t deserve to be used. He was one of the few to give Britt a second chance and she was spitting in his face. Josslyn said Jason wasn’t a pushover and didn’t need Carly’s protection, and Carly said Jason knew Britt was using him, but didn’t care. So she was going to care for both of them. Josslyn asked if she was jealous of Britt.

Elizabeth said Britt shouldn’t be in the ER. Why wasn’t she on 10? Britt said she was delivering scans and breaking up fights. Elizabeth could take it from here. Britt left, and Curtis told Elizabeth, maybe Britt was exaggerating, but he and Dr. Gannon kind of got into it and he got a little closer to taking the doctor out than he liked.

Sonny said he’d love for Gio to stay, but his first concern was Gio’s safety. Some guy was making trouble for him… He didn’t want Gio to be uncomfortable at Anna’s. He wanted Gio to stay with him. Donna would be over the moon. Gio said he couldn’t tell Sonny how much he appreciated it – Emma walked in – and Sonny said Gio had someone to talk to first.

Sonny went over to Turner, and she said she wasn’t telling him anything. He said Emma and Gio were going through something, so he was pretending he wanted to talk to her. Anything for love. She asked if that’s what they were looking at. It looked awkward. Sonny said, they were young and hadn’t figured it out. Gio deserved happiness. Turner said, what happened at the Nurses Ball was awful, and he said, Emma was with Gio. They were good together. She said, are you playing Cupid, Mr. Corinthos? At that age, love feels like the answer to everything. He said, isn’t it?

Michael said, Olivia was right. He had more than enough. Tracy said that was beside the point, and Brook said, maybe Monica didn’t talk about it because it was too painful. Maybe she felt guilty about them being estranged. Tracy said the only proof they had was Ronnie showing up the minute Monica wasn’t around to dispute her claim. Frankly, she found it all convenient. Ronnie said there was nothing convenient about her missing the chance to see her sister one more time. As for proof, she brought Monica’s letters. Tracy said letters could be forged, and Ronnie said Monica wrote that she’d saved her letters. Hadn’t they found them? Olivia said they hadn’t gone through Monica’s belongings yet, and Tracy asked Brook to find them. Brook left, and Jason asked if Ronnie would mind telling them why she and Monica had a falling out. Ronnie said, not at all. When she was 16, she was able to leave her awful foster family. She turned up on Monica’s doorstep hoping she could live there, but she quickly saw that Monica didn’t want her there and was embarrassed by the reminder of her past. She was an intern and Mrs. Jeff Webber. She wanted Ronnie to disappear, so she did. Ned said, Monica never talked about her past, and it wasn’t just Ronnie who she failed to mention. Tracy said she wasn’t falling for Ronnie’s sob story and told Alexis that she was officially contesting the will. Alexis said she thought Tracy might, but she wasn’t Tracy’s attorney, when the doorbell rang. Michael opened the door to Chase and Anna, who said they were there on official business. Michael said they were reading Monica’s will and asked if it could wait, but Anna said it couldn’t. Tracy asked what was going on, and Anna said they had a warrant to search the premises.

Carly told Josslyn that she wasn’t jealous, but Britt was no dummy. Jason was rich, loyal to a fault, and could protect Britt from her enemies. She couldn’t be jealous because what she and Jason had was a bond beyond friendship. Their trust went very deep. Josslyn said, if it wasn’t that, what was bothering her? but Carly said she didn’t know. She’d thought Jason accepted her relationship with Jack. Now she wasn’t so sure. He left country to find Britt and didn’t tell her. Something happened while he was away – she could feel it – and he wouldn’t tell her about that either.

Isaiah went to Portia’s office and said he was sorry to add to her already busy day, but he got into it with Curtis, and she said, about what? He said he’d never let Curtis know about them, and she said she didn’t mind Curtis knowing, but didn’t want Trina to know. It could ruin their relationship, but that was a conversation for another day. What happened? He said Curtis was heading to Drew’s room and he told Curtis to keep his issues with Drew outside the workplace. Curtis didn’t think his actions reflected on her. She said she wished he hadn’t done that. She didn’t need his protection. He said Curtis was taking advantage of her position at the hospital for his own purposes all the time, but that was a conversation for her and Curtis to have. He was sorry. She suggested, in the future, avoid interacting with Curtis as much as possible. She thanked him for letting her know and said she had to get back to work. He said he’d see her later and left. She took a pregnancy test out of her pocket.

Ned asked what they were looking for, and Anna said they were authorized to search for a revolver registered to Edward Quartermaine from the collection. Alexis said this seemed like a good time to leave and wished them good luck. Brook asked what was going on, and Chase said they had a search warrant, but Tracy said nobody was going to search until her lawyer got there. Anna said that wasn’t how it worked and asked Michael to take a look at the warrant before they started. Ronnie said she believed she was the one who should be looking at the warrant.

Outside, Alexis called Sonny. She said she needed to see him and Carly as soon as possible, and asked if they could meet at Bobbie’s. Sonny said, give him 15 minutes, and told Turner that he had to go.

Carly told Josslyn that Jason would tell her what he was keeping from her. He always did. Josslyn said she was sure he would. She had to go, she and Carly hugged, and Josslyn left.  

Emma asked Gio how Monica’s memorial was. They hadn’t talked. Gio said the memorial was weird, but good. He liked hearing the stories and everyone seemed to have one, stuff he knew nothing about. She said she didn’t think they’d ever know how much Monica did behind the scenes, and he said he went to the Quartermaines. She asked if he talked to Brook and Dante, and he said, a little bit. She asked, how was it? and he said, not as hard as on a normal day. She said she would have gone if she’d been asked. He knew that, right? He said he’d never ask her to do something like that. It was something he needed to handle alone.

Anna asked who Ronnie was, and Ronnie said, Veronica Bard, Monica’s sister. Anna said, since when? and Ronnie said she’d been getting that question a lot since she got there. She seemed to have just inherited the whole property, so she thought Anna should serve her. Tracy mumbled that someone had been watching Law and Order, and Anna said, welcome to Port Charles. She gave Ronnie the warrant, and Ronnie said this was new to her, but she thought she’d better read the warrant before they began.

Elizabeth said she heard something about Isaiah confronting Curtis on Portia’s behalf, and Isaiah said it wasn’t his finest moment, but he was sick of watching Curtis throw his weight around to get what he wanted. She said, if it was her, she wouldn’t get too involved in Portia’s personal life. It was one line he shouldn’t cross.

Portia came out of the bathroom, and said, it’s gonna be all right. There’s no way… Her phone alarm went off, and she looked at the test, seeing the double line meaning she was pregnant. Curtis knocked at the door.  

Emma said she got that Gio had his own life to live, and he said he’d been clinging on her too much, but she said he hadn’t. Because friends leaned on each other. He said she’d been so great to him. She gave him a home when he really needed it most. He was grateful, but she’d be going to school again and he needed to find full time work and figure out what he was going to do with his life. It was time for him to move out.

At the hospital, Josslyn told Britt, don’t worry. She got the message. Britt said she thought she was too subtle, but it went over Carly’s head. She couldn’t imagine Josslyn lying to her. Josslyn said her mom couldn’t know she was in the WSB, and Britt said, okay, but it was going to cost her. Josslyn said she was shocked. What did Britt want? Britt said she was tired of living in a room above Bobbie’s. She wanted an all-expense paid suite at the MetroCourt.

Alexis met Carly and Sonny at Bobbie’s and said she was at the Quartermaines for the reading of Monica’s will, when Anna came with a warrant. She was looking for a gun registered to Edward Quartermaine. Sonny asked if it was the gun that shot Drew, and Alexis said she thought so. She was supposed to meet Anna for more questioning, and it was canceled. This led her to believe there might be new evidence, and they were moving in another direction. She wasn’t here as a lawyer, but as a parent. She thought they might be closing in on Michael. They know he had motive and if they found the gun, he’d have the means. If they had anything that could exonerate him, now was the time to produce it.

Tracy said, if they couldn’t stop this, there was no way Ronnie could, but Ned said she was doing more than they were. She was buying them time. Tracy suggested she was a slow reader. Find out what was taking the lawyer so long. Ned left, and Anna said Ronnie could see it was in order. Start the search. But Ronnie said, this is wrong. She used her GPS to get there twice, and if she remembered right, the address was 66 Harborview Drive. This warrant was for 65 Harborview Drive, so they wouldn’t be searching there today. They want the house across the street.

Wednesday:

Gio told Emma that he found another place already, and she asked if he was leaving Port Charles, but he said, no. He’d be staying with his grandfather. Emma wondered if it wasn’t dangerous.

Britt said she wasn’t asking for the penthouse, and Josslyn said Britt might as well take out an ad that she’s blackmailing her. Britt said everyone would assume it was Josslyn’s way of thanking her, but Josslyn said her mom would be suspicious, and Britt didn’t want that. Britt said, no, Josslyn didn’t want it, and Josslyn said Britt had a lot more to hide than she did.

Carly went to see Elizabeth and said she needed to know what Elizabeth told the police about her threatening to kill Drew.

Curtis told Portia that he had a hunch Drew lost the blackmail material against her. If he was right, Drew no longer had any power over them.

Drew told Willow that the doctor thought he could be released as early as next week, but he was pushing for tomorrow. She said she was amazed at how well he got and how quickly, and he said he had good reason to want to get home. When he did, he wanted her and Scout to move in.

Anna was about to start the search, when Ronnie pointed out the address was for the house across the street. Anna looked at it and said the DA must have submitted the wrong address. Jason said the warrant was invalid, but Chase said it was a minor detail. Olivia said, not to her. The devil was in the details. Chase told Ronnie that they were trying to solve the attempted murder of a sitting US congressman. All they wanted was to uncover the truth. Let them search the premises.

Britt said she had nothing to hide, and Josslyn said Britt knew the WSB was sending a team to the Five Poppies. She’d been involved in whatever shady organization they were running out of the resort and should help bring them down since they tried to kill her too. Britt said she wanted to forget the Five Poppies existed and just wanted to rebuild her life. She was busy enough without taking on something from Josslyn’s to-do list. The MetroCourt had the best security, so help a girl out. Josslyn said it would be suspicious, and Britt said then she had no choice but to out Josslyn. Josslyn said, that would be a very big mistake, and Britt asked if that was a threat. Jack joined them and said it sounded like one to him. Britt asked if she knew him, and he said he didn’t think so. He was Jack Brennan of the WSB.

Gio said he didn’t plan on staying at Sonny’s forever, but needed to get out of Emma’s grandmother’s apartment. Emma asked, why? when Trina came in. She asked Emma to keep her company while she stretched, and they could catch up.

Portia asked why Curtis thought Drew lost the evidence, and he said Alexis told him the PCPD had uncovered new evidence. He thought they found the blackmail material. They would have been questioned immediately, but they weren’t. That led him to believe they didn’t find it, so where was it? She said, it could be anywhere, and he said he thought the same thing, then realized Drew had made no demands lately. Portia said Drew had backed off, but she’d assumed he was focused on his recovery, and Curtis said he believed Drew had lost his leverage over them, but needed to know for sure.

Drew said Willow seemed hesitant, and she said it was hard being without her children in the last place they’d lived, and Drew was shot in there. She wasn’t sure it was safe. He said he’d amped up the security and changed the locks. He’d never let his daughter live where it wasn’t safe. She said Scout was comfortable with her and Elizabeth. Maybe he should settle in. Then they’d talk about her moving in. He said he missed his daughter and her. He’d thought they were in a better place and working toward the future. She said she hadn’t been completely honest.

Anna said they’d return with the warrant in proper order. She strongly urged them not to take any actions that would constitute obstruction of justice or result in them being an accessory after the fact. They left and Jason thanked Ronnie. Ronnie asked if anyone would care to tell her what was going on. Which one of them was suspected of trying to assassinate the congressman?

Elizabeth asked what was going on, and Carly said she went to Anna and told her about threatening Drew. She figured if she didn’t, Drew would. Elizabeth said that was probably true, but why was Carly concerned about what she’d say? Carly said she was curious to know how serious they took it and if they followed up, and Elizabeth said she wasn’t sure they should be having this conversation. Carly said she had it from a reliable source that there was going to be an arrest and she needed to know if was her. She needed Elizabeth’s help.

Jason told Ronnie that he didn’t know his brother existed, but Drew knew about him, and she said she remembered Drew had a daughter named Scout. Her mama died. Monica wrote about her. She loved that little girl. Her daddy, not so much. Olivia said Drew was estranged from the family, and Tracy said he was a malignant weasel. Brook said Drew was pretty bad, and Ronnie said that explained why Drew was shot, but didn’t explain why the police came to the house to look for the weapon. Unless they thought the shooter lived there. Tracy said they didn’t discuss family matters with outsiders, but Olivia said Ronnie deserved to know. Michael said he was considered a suspect because he and his uncle were at odds. Drew had seduced his ex-wife and had been trying to help win custody of his kids. Brook said, most of the time, Michael had been out of the country recovering from serious burns, when Michael’s phone rang and he stepped away. Brook said Michael wasn’t the only suspect. There was a long list of them. Jason said Drew caused problems for the family, but he also made life miserable for a lot of people in Port Charles.

Curtis said he planned to test his theory, but needed to press enough of Drew’s buttons for him to react, and Portia said Drew’s response would tell them everything. Curtis said he’d been on his way to try it, when he ran into Dr. Gannon. He thought Curtis was taking advantage of Portia’s position as Co-Chief by throwing his weight around the hospital. Portia said she never felt that way, and he said he’d never do anything to make her look bad. She said she thought Dr. Gannon was just looking out for his boss in a misguided way. Did he still plan on confronting Drew? He said, the sooner, the better, and she said, since it was her medical career on the line, she’d like to take part.

Drew said he knew he’d promised Willow that he’d help er win custody, but he’d also thought she’d rediscovered her feelings for him. She said he wasn’t wrong. She still cared about him and wanted to be with him, but she’d been making excuses for not moving back in. The truth was, she was worried it would hurt er custody case. He asked, how, when they’d be seen as a family? and she said, Michael twisted things. Ric was out of town, and she couldn’t get him on the phone. He said they’d reach out to Martin, when Willow got a text. She said it was from the court. She scrolled and said, no. They couldn’t do this. They assigned a new judge, but wouldn’t review it until mid-January. The next time she saw her kids would be next year.

Trina said Emma insisted she and Gio were just friends, but it looked tense. Had something changed? Emma said, yeah, and not in a good way.

As they passed a medicine ball back and forth, Gio told Kai about Tracy wheeling Drew out of the memorial service, and Kai said, good for her. She’s small, but mighty. Gio said he thought Kai and Drew were tight, but Kai said, just because he worked for the guy, didn’t mean he thought Drew was in the right. He was definitely in the wrong.

Willow said she couldn’t wait that long, but Drew said it would be okay. They’d talk to Martin, and he’d make sure she had custody way before January. Curtis and Portia walked in, and Curtis asked if they were interrupting. Portia said Willow was assigned to the ER. Why was she there? Because Willow can’t speak for herself, Drew said she was visiting the man she loved, and Portia said, she could do that after hours. She was on duty in the ER. Willow apologized and left, and Drew said Portia had to lose the attitude and apologize to Willow. Portia said she was Co-Chief of Staff and called the shots, and Curtis said, unless Drew had something to say about that.

Jack said he was glad to finally meet Britt, who said she needed to get back to work. She left, and Jack said he thought things seemed tense. Josslyn said Britt threatened to tell that she’s WSB unless she upgraded Britt’s living situation, and Jack said he’d take care of Britt. Right now, he had an important assignment for her.

Carly said if the police were going to charge her, she needed to make arrangements for her daughter, but Elizabeth said no one had contacted her. No one from the PCPD asked her anything. If they did, she’d just tell them what happened. Drew clearly antagonized Carly and she responded in anger. Carly said she told Anna that Elizabeth was a witness. Why didn’t they talk to her? Elizabeth said, maybe they had a stronger suspect, and Carly was off the hook. She should be glad… unless that wasn’t what she wanted. Maybe she’d rather have the PCPD come after her than come after her son.

On the phone, Anna said, this time double-check everything. She needed the warrant processed immediately. She told Chase that Turner was always so on top of things. She didn’t know why Turner made a mistake like this when she knew how important it was. Chase said now they’d lost the element of surprise, and she said, the worst part was that Jason was there. If anyone knew how to clean up evidence or make it disappear, it was him. And he’d do anything to protect Michael.

Brook asked if the PCPD thought the gun had been used to shoot Drew, but Tracy said, they made a mistake and were trying to grasp at straws. They didn’t even have the address right. Brook said, that was the DA’s office, and Ronnie said it wouldn’t take the Commissioner long to be back with a new warrant. Tracy said, then they’d handle it like family. Ronnie didn’t need to stay. Ronnie said she’d appreciate it if someone let her know how it turned out. She’d be at her motel. Jason said, hold on. According to Monica’s will, this was her house.

Jack said he’d like a word with Britt, but she said she was in the middle of work. He said it wouldn’t take long. He had questions about her time at the Five Poppies. They could schedule time for her to come to his office. Britt asked, why? She was just a guest at the resort. He said, if that was the case, he supposed they could hold off on bringing her in, for now. As long as she stopped making trouble for him or any of his agents. She promised she wouldn’t be a problem, and he said he hoped she was telling the truth. If she was lying and was involved in the research there in any capacity, it was a violation of a number of international laws and subject to life imprisonment in Steinmaur. It’s not a place she wanted to be. Just ask her mother.

Carly told Elizabeth that Willow was rooting for Michael’s arrest. If he was in prison, she’d get her kids back. But Michael didn’t do it. Elizabeth said she hoped Carly was right, and Carly said she assumed Elizabeth would take Willow’s side. Elizabeth said she’d known Scout her entire life and had compassion for Willow, but that didn’t mean she didn’t feel for Michael. Carly needed to have faith that Anna and the police would find the culprit. Carly said Drew was determined that Michael take the fall. He’d taken so much from Michael, she’d be damned if he was going to take Michael’s freedom too. Elizabeth’s plumber called, and she stepped away to talk.

Drew said, if they had a problem with him, take it up with him. Don’t pick on Willow. Portia said, for asking her to do her job? She could look for work elsewhere. Drew said he thought she was forgetting that he had information that could destroy her career, and she said, then do it. She was tired of living in fear. Curtis said, give it his best shot, and Drew said he was currently recovering from two gunshot wounds. He didn’t have the energy for this. Get out and leave him the hell alone. They left, and in the hallway, Curtis said they were right. He’s got nothing.

Chase told Anna that he should have stayed to make sure no one tampered with the evidence. He had every right be there. She said, as a detective or as a husband and in-law? It’s better he didn’t since it was a grey area. They had to play by the book or the Quartermaines would bury them. He said, or the woman who inherited the estate, and she said she didn’t know about her. She thought he was in a tough spot and didn’t want to make it worse. He said, as much as he loved the Quartermaines, if someone shot Drew, they needed to be brought to justice.

Tracy said it wasn’t Ronnie’s house, but Jason told her, the will said it was. She said it was a bogus will. The estate wasn’t going to a backwater waitress. Olivia asked why she said waitress like it was a shameful insult, and Jason said Ronnie was Monica’s sister and part of the family. Tracy said, you don’t vet someone with a handshake. She could be anybody. Jason told Ronnie, nice to meet her. Despite what Tracy said, try to make herself at home. Ronnie thanked him, and he thanked her for her help with the police. Tracy said Jason didn’t speak for all of them, but Michael said he agreed. Before the reading of the will, they assumed he’d inherit the house. If anyone had the right to contest it, it was him, and he would like to abide by his grandmother’s wishes. As far as he was concerned, the matter was settled.

Britt said she heard Deanna was covering for Willow because of a family emergency. Was everything okay? Willow said she felt like nothing ever was, and Britt said they were technically family, but Willow said there was nothing anyone could do. Britt said, if Willow needed an ally… She heard Willow had been visiting Drew. Now she was bolting for a family emergency. If it was about Drew, maybe she should talk to Britt’s mom. Willow said, the person she needed to talk to, was her lawyer. If Britt found him, that would be great. Don’t take it the wrong way, but she didn’t think Britt could afford to take on her problems. She saws Britt with Agent Brennan, and she seemed to have her own mess to deal with. Willow left.

Carly told Elizabeth that she had to meet Jason, and it was probably best for her not to run into Willow. Elizabeth said Carly’s issues with Willow were valid, but so were Willow’s. It was tragic all around. Carly said, Willow made the decisions that ruined her life, and Elizabeth said, sometimes when you only had yourself to blame, it was worse. They’d both been there. Carly said Willow was lucky to have a friend like Elizabeth, but she doubted Willow deserved it, and she left.

Trina asked if Emma thought Gio was moving out because of the kiss, and Emma said she obviously ruined the friendship. Kai joined them and said Trina’s form was all wrong, but Trina said she knew what she was doing. Emma said that was her cue, and left. Kai said Trina’s form was perfect. He just needed and excuse to get away from Gio. Trina asked, why? and Kai said he let his real feelings for Drew slip out. Trina said it was safer to play the loyal employee, especially since his fingerprints were on the bat. He said that put him in the living room the night Drew was shot, and she said, continue playing the part. He said he was trying, but didn’t know how much longer he could stand working for Drew, and she said he had to. At least until the shooter was caught.

Martin went to Drew’s room and said he assumed it was about the custody case. Drew said they’d get to that, but what did Martin know about the PCPD inventory of his safe? Martin said he did warn Drew that their request for an injunction might be overturned. The police basically searched and logged the contents. Drew asked if they sent a list of the contents to Martin, and Martin said they did. Drew said, send him a digital copy to his phone. He needed to see it. He looked at the list and said he knew it. It wasn’t there. The evidence that Portia tampered with Heather Webber’s test results. Martin asked if it was there the night Drew was shot, and Drew said he saw it. Martin asked if he closed the safe, but Drew said he didn’t know. Martin said, whoever put the bullets in his back probably took it, and Drew said the only people who knew were Curtis and Portia. Martin said, then one of them shot him.

Alone in the living room, Tracy looked up and said she wished Monica was there. She’d wring her scrawny little neck. Ronnie came in with Brook and Olivia and said, the house and grounds were magnificent. Everything was so big. Olivia said there was always room for improvement. How did Ronnie feel about a brick pizza oven? Ronnie said it sounded like a wonderful idea, and Tracy said, yippie. Ronnie said she wasn’t surprised Monica had a stable of horses. As a little girl, she dreamed of having one and ended up with a dozen. Tracy said Hades was hers and Comet belonged to Leo, and Ronnie said she kept losing track of how many people were there. (Me too.) Brook said she’d make a chart. When Chase came back, she’d introduce them. Ronnie said, that handsome detective was her husband? when the doorbell rang. Tracy said, door, and Olivia said she’d get it. Tracy looked at Ronnie and said, her house, her door, wen Anna and Chase came in. Anna showed Ronnie the amended warrant, and Ronnie said it looked fine. Anna’s team began the search.

Emma said she had to go, and Trina said, first talk to Gio. Do it now. Emma went over to Gio and said she didn’t want him to move out, but he said he had to. She said, was it because of the kiss? and he said, yeah. She said she knew it. She ruined everything. He asked what she was talking about, and she said she shouldn’t have kissed him. It was awkward and it was her fault. She was into him, and he wasn’t into her. He said she had the wrong idea. He was moving out because he was into her. He thought she wasn’t into him. Because it would be torture to live with her and not do this. He kissed her.  

Jason stood at Pier 54, when Jack arrived. Jack said Carly couldn’t make it, so Jason had him instead.

In Sonny’s old kitchen, Carly said she’d got Josslyn’s text and asked why Josslyn was crying. Josslyn said she’d never believe this. Vaughn had been lying to her the entire time. She just found out he’s a WSB agent.

Portia was staring at the pregnancy test, when Curtis knocked at the door. She stashed it, and he came in. He said he was on his way out and it just hit him. It’s over. Part of the reason they stayed together was for him to protect her. Portia said it wasn’t really the issue anymore, and he said he guessed not. They’d stayed together to avoid suspicion. As soon as someone was arrested for Drew’s shooting, he guessed they could file for divorce. He guessed there was no reason to stay married anymore.

Drew told Martin, no wonder they were just in there with their power play. They knew he had nothing to hold over their head. Martin said he was calling the police. They had to know who shot him. Drew said he couldn’t. They couldn’t know about the blackmail and neither of them could go down for shooting him. For Willow’s sake, it had to be Michael.

Brook said they’d send someone to the motel for Ronnie’s things, and Ronnie wondered where she’d stay. Brook said they had plenty of rooms, when Anna and Chase came back. Anna asked, where were Jason and Michael? and Olivia said there was no reason they needed to stay. Anna said she was just curious, and Chase said, they checked the study and the gun was missing. There were soap looks all around.

Michael knocked at Elizabeth’s door and asked if Willow was there. Elizabeth said she was at work, and he asked if he could come in. She said, sure, and after looking around, he went inside and closed the door.

Thursday:  

Anna told Dante about confirming the gun was registered to Edward Quartermaine and what happened with the warrant and how the firearm was missing by the time they came back with the amended one. Dante said, find the gun, find the shooter, and she said they needed to find out who took it. Since he lived at the Quartermaine’s, he might be the perfect person to help figure it out.

Willow asked Michael what he was doing at Elizabeth’s house.

Britt went into Nathan’s room to find him getting dressed, and she asked if he had a hot date. He said he was about to be discharged, and she asked if he was sure that it was the best idea. He said there was nothing wrong with him physically and he had to face up to his new reality at some point.

Josslyn told Carly that Vaughn was a WSB agent. How could she be so stupid? Everything had been a complete lie and he was conning her the entire time. How could she be so blind? Carly hugged her.

Jack told Jason that Carly had been held up, but Jason said they had nothing to discuss. Jack asked, who was more important, Carly or Britt Westbourne? and Jason said he was going to tell Carly that Josslyn was WSB. Jack said it would make it difficult if her mother found out and he was there to ensure Jason didn’t tell her. Jason said he was there to protect Josslyn and her mother. Hurt her and see what happens. Jack said Jason needed to ask himself if Carly knowing the truth about her daughter was more important than Britt’s freedom.

Britt said it was Nathan’s decision, but she would love one minute with just them before he went out in the world and discovered what it was like to be Nathan West, circa 2025. He said he’d love that and asked if it could wait until he was out, and she asked if he was sticking around. He said that was the plan. It was time to reclaim his life like she was doing. Spinelli came in and said, gracious greetings to them both. Nathan asked if Spinelli brought his son.

Michael said he’d been waiting for Willow to get home. Elizabeth had let him in. She said she was hoping they could talk. She was so sorry about Monica. She knew it was hard on the kids and him. When she heard Monica passed, she wanted to reach, but wasn’t sure if she should. She’d been really worried about all of them. Michael thanked her.

Anna said, Monica’s sister, Ronnie… and Dante said, a sister that crawled out of the woodwork. He had no idea Monica had a sister. She said, join the club. When they went in the second time… He said, the gun wasn’t there, and she said, interesting timing. He said, either the shooter didn’t put it back… and she said, or they disposed of it. He said they should look at anyone who had access to the Quartermaine property, and she said, starting with Carly Spencer.

Carly said tell her everything, and Josslyn said Vaughn ghosted her. She tried to forget him and move on, but then she saw him at the WSB offices. She went to see Jack to invite him to dinner with them and Donna, an olive branch sort of thing. She wanted to surprise Carly. She saw Vaughn all decked out in a power suit and was completely shocked. Carly asked if they talked, and Josslyn said she confronted Vaughn about the way he ended things. He stood there, cool, calm, and collected like she’d never meant anything to him. Carly called him an ass and said she was so sorry, and Josslyn said she finally got him to admit he was a WSB agent. She just found out, but apparently, he’d been with the WSB for a while. Carly said that meant Jack knew all along.

Spinelli said James wasn’t with him. The reason he was there was because he wanted to discuss Nathan’s current standing. Britt said it wasn’t the time. Nathan was about to be released. He was waiting for his discharge paperwork. Spinelli said, understood. Perhaps later. Nathan said they’d definitely talk soon, and Spinelli said he looked forward to it. He left and Britt said she didn’t want to get in trouble and had to check in, but she’d like to talk. Nathan said, go. He didn’t want to cause trouble with the people who were calling the shots.

Carly said Jack knew Vaughn was WSB and Josslyn could have been in danger, but he said nothing. Josslyn said she was sorry, but she was never in any danger, and Carly said she didn’t know that. It was one thing to keep a secret from her about work, but it was another to keep a secret about her daughter.  

At the hospital, Spinelli found Britt and said, apologies, but he was consumed with several unresolved curiosities. Britt told him, try again and give English a whirl, and he said he was concerned. How come Britt wanted to delay James meeting Nathan? Britt said she’d thought a lot about if her nephew could handle it, and he said, the only reason he didn’t bring James was the resurrection of both of Faison’s children in a matter of weeks. It was a statistical marvel. Britt wondered if he was implying something about her brother, and he said Nathan recalled nothing, the circumstances gave them no answer, and he was virtually untraceable, and Britt said, Spinelli didn’t believe her? He said she offered no information as to where she’d disappeared. If he was suspicious of anyone, it fell on her.  

Jason asked if Jack was going to go after Britt if he told Carly, but Jack said Britt brought her troubles on herself. She’d committed several violations of international law, enough to put her away in Steinmaur for the rest of her life. Jason could be what put her there or kept her out. It seemed like a no-brainer. If he didn’t tell Carly what she didn’t know, it would be status quo. Tell Carly, and Britt would be put away for what little time she had left. Did he want Britt to spend her final days wasting away in a jail cell? Jason said he didn’t want any of this, and Jack said, if you committed a crime, you paid for it. Jason said, so the best move for everyone was to say nothing, and Jack said Jason had the option to protect Carly and Britt. Jason said, and Jack. The next time, don’t trick him. Be a man and reach out directly. He left and Jack’s phone rang. Carly told Jack to get over to her house.

Willow asked what brought Michael by, and he said he got the notification about the judge postponing the visitation case. Willow started to cry and said she couldn’t believe the next time she saw Wiley and Amelia would be next year. He said that was too long for them to be apart, and she said she never thought he’d agree with her. He said he did and that was why he was there. He wanted her to see their kids.

Anna said Carly needed a second look, and Dante said Carly was at the Quartermaines’ all the time. Anna said Carly had a bit of a history with violence, especially when protecting her children. She shot Tony Jones in open court because he’d hurt Michael. Dante said, Drew was hurting Michael. Who was Carly’s alibi? Anna said, Jack Brennan, who lied for a living. He’d definitely cover for Carly. She thought Carly’s alibi was worthless. Which brought them to their second suspect. Dante said, his brother.

Willow told Michael that she was so happy to hear this. She’d been begging to see them, and he hadn’t budged. So why now, especially when she was sure he’d heard she and Drew were back together. He said he did hear and didn’t want Drew anywhere near their children. She said she hadn’t heard him call them their children for a while, and he said, they were, and the ultimate goal was to spend time with them. She got to see the kids, and Wiley and Amelia got to have their mother back in their lives. Willow said it was all she’d wanted. How did they make it happen? He said the offer only extended to her, not Drew, and she said that was fine. He said he’d make arrangements for visitation in a safe and controlled environment, and she asked what he meant. He said the visitation would be supervised by a family therapist.

Britt said there was no big story, but Spinelli said that was hard to believe. Britt said she had a job working a spa and was trying to live a quiet life. She’d still be there if not for Jason’s meddling. He said Jason was a lot of things, but a meddler wasn’t one of them, and Britt said he destroyed her peace, her anonymity, and her job. It was all gone. It was her life and her business. Jason was her problem, and she needed to deal with him. She walked off.

Jack found Carly in Sonny’s old kitchen, and seeing Josslyn and the moss bowl🎍, he said he didn’t realize they had an audience. Carly said she didn’t realize a lot of things, but he was right. This was a private conversation. She asked Josslyn for a minute, and Josslyn left. (The moss bowl🎍stayed, kowtowing to no one.) Jack said he assumed she wasn’t pleased with him, and she asked how he could not tell her that Vaughn was a WSB agent.

Willow said a therapist was going to supervise her with her own children? and Michael said it was a chance to spend time together for an hour a week. She said it wasn’t a lot of time. She’d missed them so much. Would she ever get more time? He said he didn’t know, but right now, he thought it was best for the kids, and she said she didn’t want the kids more confused. He said he thought she would be more grateful, and she said she was. It was better than not seeing them at all, but it was hard to be overly grateful when it meant that he didn’t trust her to be around her children. Was the therapist on his payroll? He said, no, and she said, and not his father’s? He said, no, and she said she was afraid come January, the therapist would get on the stand and say she was unfit and her kids would be taken away from her permanently.

Vaughn met Josslyn at Pier 54, and she said she wasn’t sure he’d come. He said he almost didn’t. They’d agreed, no contact once they were back in Port Charles. Josslyn said she didn’t forget, and he asked why he was there. She said she thought she should tell him in person. Her mom knew he was a WSB agent. He said, how? and she said she told her.

At the hospital, Britt told Jason that Spinelli came by and was making accusations. He implied she had a hidden agenda. He said, didn’t she? and she said he was tying it to Nathan being back. Spinelli thought she had something to do with his mysterious return. He said he’d speak to Spinelli, and Britt said to tell Spinelli that she’d never hurt James. He said, that part, he believed, but she hadn’t been upfront about the Five Poppies. How could he help her if she kept holding things back?

Anna told Dante that Jack lied as easily as he breathed and was Carly’s alibi. Michael’s alibi was a sex worker who happened to be with Drew the night Drew was on drugs. The whole thing was unreliable and convenient. Dante agreed, but for the record, he didn’t think Michael did this. Yet when he looked at the evidence against him… Anna said he could see how bad it looked.

Michael said he was just trying to get them all in the same room in the most secure way, and Willow said, timed supervised visits? He wouldn’t like it. He said he didn’t make the same choices, and she asked if it was punishment. He said it was an opportunity that he didn’t have to give her, and she said she wasn’t trying to fight. She had no kids, no power, and very few choices. It must be nice having all the power. She wished she had even a little. He said she had the power to see the kids again. If she loved them as much as she claimed, prove it. Be their mom again. They missed her as much as she missed them.

Spinelli went back to see Nathan and said he reconsidered. Nathan said he was sorry. Britt was overprotective of him and James. Spinelli said, James was fine, but a little lost, which was to be expected. They were all unmoored without Maxie to ground them. He found routine was essential with James. Nathan asked what James was like, and Spinelli said spirited was at the top of a wonderfully long list. He wasn’t questioning Nathan’s role as James’s father, but hoped they agreed on some level that consistency was what James needed – people he knew, faces he was used to. Nathan said he understood. He’d never want a child to be without their mother. Spinelli said, there was no equal, and Nathan said, the void Maxie left must be incredibly hard for James. Spinelli said it was life-altering for all of them, and Nathan said, not remembering the last seven years, knowing he hadn’t been there for his son, was hard, but he thought what they were going through was harder. It killed him knowing there was nothing he could do to help Maxie. Spinelli said they had that in common. Nathan still loved her. Nathan said he never stopped. To him, Maxie was still his wife. He was grateful to Spinelli, showing up for Maxie and his son. He was happy they had Spinelli. He wanted he best for James too, but knew James better, so he’d follow Spinelli’s lead.  

Britt said she didn’t know why she asked Jason to come, and he said he’d do anything to protect her. But to do it, he needed to know from what. What was she doing at the Five Poppies? She said if it was Carly, he wouldn’t ask, and he said he wouldn’t have to.

Josslyn said Brennan ordered her to keep her mom distracted, so she used a trick Vaughn taught her in training. He said, blowing his cover in the process… Smart move. He’d have done the same thing. She did make one error. She warned him. She said she didn’t want to blindside him, and he said, personal feelings clouded her judgment, but they all made that mistake. His was falling for her. She said she knew she was irresistible. Jack told her to be convincing, and it turned out they convinced themselves. Vaughn said, maybe it was all in the past, but maybe not, and she said she knew that, but knowing and accepting were two very different things.

Jack told Carly that it was all classified information. When it came to her daughter, it didn’t change. She said, the hell it doesn’t. Josslyn could have been in danger. He said, she wasn’t, and Carly said he lied to her face. He listened when she told him that she was worried about Josslyn dating Vaughn. He pretended to be someone he wasn’t and violated her trust. He said he understood that she was upset, but she knew there were going to be times he had to keep things from her. This was one of those times. She said she could handle separating who he was with them and who he was on the job. She said maybe she couldn’t.

Spinelli said he was relieved they were in agreement about James, and Nathan said, James came first and he gave Spinelli his word that he’d be the father James needed and deserved, especially without Maxie there.

Britt said she wanted Jason out of her life, and he said he didn’t realize he was in. She said he did the same thing every time and she couldn’t do it. Either commit and put her first or stay the hell out of her way. He said he’d do whatever he could for her, and she said, classic non-answer. But it was an answer. Just not the one she wanted.

Carly said Jack was right. She entered the relationship informed and thought with her eyes wide open. But she was fooling herself. She got why he didn’t warn her about Vaughn and was trying to believe he wouldn’t let anything happen to Josslyn. He said he could be who he needed to be on the job and still be someone she could believe in, and she said she wanted to be right about him and trust him. He said he wanted that more than anything, and hugged her.

Vaughn said, what they had in Australia was very real, and Josslyn said, was, past tense. He said, maybe it wasn’t the end. Anything was possible. She said she hoped he was right, and he said he was always right. They kissed and said goodbye and Vaughn left.  

Willow said Michael held all the cards. He knew her answer before she came in. He said he knew what he’d hoped she’d say, but he still needed to hear it from her. She said, of course (🍷) she agreed to his terms. She’d go anywhere or do anything to see her kids, even if it meant supervised visits with a therapist. He said she was making the right choice, and she said, not much of one though, is it? He said he’d be in touch and left.

Anna said she was open to suggestions, and Dante said the Quartermaines’ security system could be breached. Drew got in when he was with Willow last year, and he heard Drew and Martin got in after the almost wedding. Michael was also convinced Willow was sneaking around targeting Daisy. Anna asked why she was just hearing about this now, and he said, he had no proof. Going to the cops was pointless. She asked if he thought Willow could be the shooter, and he said, the guy was sleeping with her mom. Anna said, Willow left Drew at the altar, then took him back, but she didn’t have the same history of violence as Michael or Carly. Dante said they didn’t know a person’s tipping point. Losing your kids was up there. She said she wasn’t ruling anyone out. She felt like the suspect had the ability to get in and out undetected. She said he needed to see something and showed him the computer screen. She said it was security footage from Nina’s apartment building. Dante said, the night Drew was shot, and she said, it was the exact same time Nina said she was with Willow, but they could see her here and she was alone. He said, Willow’s alibi just evaporated, and she said, yeah.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Tracy finds Ronnie in the nook drinking tea and says, you’re still here? Ronnie says, yes, of course (🍷). It’s my house. Monica gave it to me. (We say that last part together.)

Turner goes to Anna’s office and Anna says she didn’t expect to see her. Turner decided to stop dodging her. Turner said she wasn’t dodging Anna. She was busy. Anna says, too busy to explain how the search warrant that she ordered for the Quartermaine residence had the wrong address? Which then delayed their search and gave whoever shot Congressman Cain an opportunity to ditch their weapon.

Isaiah flashed back to getting busy with Portia in her office, when Lucas says his name. Isaiah says he spaced out, and Lucas says, it’s clear he was somewhere else. What has him so distracted?

Portia asks if Dr. Navarro got her bloodwork back, but the doctor says, sorry, no, but it should be in soon. She had it bumped up. Portia asks if she’d mind reaching out to the lab. She did a test at home, and it was positive. She needs to confirm it. Given her age, it’s important to determine how far along she is.

Jordan walks into Drew’s room where he’s using a walker and says, he’s made a lot of progress. Good for him. Drew thanks her and thanks her for seeing him, and she says, his message was mysterious. She had to see what he meant. Tell her why she’s here. He says, so she can save Curtis.

On the phone, Curtis says he’s like to get everything in place so they can move forward as quickly and painlessly as possible. And if they can keep any court proceedings sealed from the public, that’s even better. Keep him posted. Michael asks if it’s a bad time, and Curtis says, no, not at all. He assumes Michael is here because of the article Lulu wrote. It couldn’t have been east to read. Michael said the story was legit and Curtis had to run it, and Curtis said, the article points to Michael as a prime suspect in Drew’s shooting. Michael is taking it better than he would. Is he sure he’s not worried about being charged? Michael says he’s got an alibi, and he’s convinced whoever needs to pay for shooting Drew, will.

Elizaeth says she didn’t realize Willow was working this morning, and Willow said she switched shifts with Deanna. Something important came up this afternoon that she can’t miss. Elizabeth asks if everything is okay, but Willow says she doesn’t know yet.

Sonny finds Lulu at Bobbie’s and asks if she’s got a second. She says, for him? Always. What’s up? He asks why she’s going after Michael in the press.

Lulu says she takes it Sonny read her piece in the Port Charles Press, and he says, yeah, he read it. She might as well have put up a billboard that says, Michael Corinthos shot Drew Cain. She says, that’s not true. She reported the facts. Nothing more. She even included the PCPD screwing up by showing up at the Quartermaines with a faulty search warrant that may have led to loss of a crucial piece of evidence. He says, she made it sound like Michael was the one who got rid of it, but she tells him, the article didn’t say that. All it said was that Michael lived there and was a person of interest. Is that not true? They’re not the only ones who know Michael had a motive. Sonny says, so do a lot of people. And Drew screwed over a lot of people who wanted him shot. She asks if that’s on the record, and he says, she’s always been fair and unbiased. What changed?

Turner says, Anna is blaming her? She guesses that explains this. She reads: unnamed sources in the PCPD suggest the snafu originated with the office of Acting District Attorney Justine Turner. Is Anna trying to sandbag her? Anna says she thinks Turner sandbagged herself. She assumed Turner paid close attention to detail when ordering a search warrant for a sitting congressman. Turner says, it was a typo, okay? A simple human error anyone could make. Anna isn’t infallible either. Anna says she’s not, but she’s careful, especially when things are this important. The error really set them back. It gave all the Quartermaines, including Michael himself, a heads up that they were looking for Edward’s gun and gave them time to dispose of the evidence and cover their tracks. Turner says, that may be the case, but clearly Michael isn’t the only suspect they’re interested in.  

Jordan says she didn’t realize Curtis needed saving, and Drew said he has every reason to believe Curtis is the one who shot him. He had the motive and opportunity, and after yesterday, Curtis all but confirmed it was him. Jordan says she doesn’t buy it for a second, and he says, she doesn’t need to buy it. If he tells the police everything he knows, they’ll stop the investigation from focusing on Michael and they’ll turn the investigation on Curtis. And he doesn’t want them to do that. She says, so Curtis allegedly shot him, but he doesn’t want Curtis arrested? and Drew says, exactly. He’s willing to look past what Curtis did to him, as difficult as it is, provided Jordan use her connections and influence as the former Police Commissioner and Anna’s best friend, and push for Michael’s arrest. She asks if that’s why she’s here. Is he trying to blackmail her into framing someone? He says he’s trying to help a friend help another friend, and she says she hopes he doesn’t believe what he’s saying. He says, it’s true, and she says, Michael is already a person of interest in his shooting, but he says, that’s not good enough. He needs Michael arrested for his attempted murder, and if she can make that happen, he’ll make sure Curtis stays out of prison. She says she’s curious. What did he promise Willow in exchange for her coming back to him?

Elizabeth says she owes Willow an apology. She’s sure Willow got thrown for a loop when the last thing she expected when she got home was to find Michael waiting for her. Willow says, it was definitely a surprise, and Elizabeth says, yeah. Sorry about that. She hopes it wasn’t too contentious. Willow says, not at all. Talking to Michael was really helpful. It gave her the opportunity to see where they stood and what he was thinking. She thinks he finally understood when it comes to being with her kids, there’s nothing she won’t do.  

Curtis tells Michael that the police showing up at the Quartermaines with the wrong address on the warrant, that’s wild. It’s got to be the most well-known house in Port Charles. Michael says, it doesn’t sound like Anna, does it? and Curtis says, not even little bit. Michael says, it surprised him too. Part of him would like to think it was divine intervention. Curtis says, Michael never struck him as spiritual, and Michael says he’s not. He wouldn’t have picked up on the error, but his grandmother’s sister Ronnie, she was the one who picked up on it. He feels like his grandmother brought Ronnie into their lives at just the right moment.

Tracy says, Ronnie may currently have possession of this house, but this tea set belonged to Tracy’s mother. Her father gave to her for her 50th birthday and it wasn’t Ronnie’s to use. Ronnie says, it’s a very thoughtful gift. It’s very beautiful. Her father had excellent taste. His name was Edward… Tracy says, Ronnie doesn’t get to talk about her father. He was rolling over in his grave because of the scam Ronnie is pulling. Ronnie asks if there’s any chance that they could start over. Clearly, Tracy was trying to pick a fight, and the tea set was as good a reason as any. If that’s what Tracy wants to find, she’s perfectly capable of giving it to her, but she’d prefer something else. Tracy says, hmm… How about access to the family safe? Ronnie says she would like Tracy to tell her about her sister. Not the little girl she knew, but the woman Tracy loved. Please, tell her about her sister.

Lulu says, it’s her job to be objective and she believes she was, and Sonny says, no matter who she hurt in the process. She says, Michael is her family. So is he. She would never intentionally target them in the press, but the facts were the facts, and no one was asking her how she felt about them. She genuinely hopes Michael isn’t guilty and wants to believe he didn’t shoot Drew, but she can’t report that he didn’t until it’s proven to be true. He says, when it is, he looks forward to her reporting that he’s innocent.

Elizabeth tells Willow, if it helps at all, when she spoke with Michael, she definitely got the impression he was being sincere. It sounded like he wanted to turn the temperature down between them and actually find the best solution for the kids, which the most important thing, right? Willow says her kids are the only thing that’s important to her and Michael was certainly doing what he believed was best for them. She had to do the same. She had to get to work and told Elizabeth that she’d see her later.

Isaiah says he’s finally about to cross the finish line, and Lucas says, it must feel great. He knows how hard Isaiah is working on the place. Isaiah says his credit cards are doing most of the work, and Lucas says, still, the timing couldn’t be better. A cozy cabin in the fall with the leaves changing and a chill in the air. He’s got to take someone up there for a romantic weekend away. Isaiah says, we’ll see, and Lucas says, wait. He was just trying to encourage Isaiah to start dating. It looks like he has someone on his mind. Is he seeing someone?

Dr. Navarro says she just got the test results, and Portia says, tell her. Is she pregnant? The doctor says, yes, she is, seven weeks. Portia flashes back to getting busy with Curtis and then Isaiah.

Drew asks, what does Willow have to do with this? and Jordan says, don’t patronize me. Everything he does is about Willow. What was it this time? Did he promise he’d frame Michael so she’d get her kids back because Michael would go to prison? He doesn’t say anything and just smirks, and she says, wow. That’s low, even for him. He says, so that’s a no? She’s not helping him? She says, it’s a hell no. She’s not helping him with his vendettas against Michael or Curtis. And the PCPD is building a case based on the evidence, not his desperate machinations. He says, okay. Then she needs to remember this moment. Because this is the moment she chose to turn her back on the chance to save Curtis. She says she just doesn’t get it. He almost died. He was lucky to get a second chance at life. It’s sad and pathetic to see him waste it.

Portia asks if the doctor is absolutely sure about the date, and Dr. Navarro says, absolutely. The test is conclusive. Coming around the corner, Jordan runs into Portia and says, sorry.

Anna says, it’s a long shot, but they have to do their due diligence and eliminate all potential suspects, and Turner says, it was Nina Reeves who originally told them that she and Willow Tate were together walking in the rain when the congressman was shot. Anna says, yeah, which is suspicious in itself. Nina is nothing if not perfectly put together. Why would she willingly go for walk in the rain and ruin that lovely blowout? Turner says, and the security camera footage shows Nina entering her building at 9 pm and leaving at 10:30. That covers the entire window of the congressman’s shooting. Anna says, which means Willows alibi is a lie, and Turner says, which doesn’t make her guilty, but it does make her unaccounted for. But how would Willow have gotten her hands on Edward Quartermaine’s gun? Anna says, she used to live at the Quartermaine estate when she was married to Michael. She knows the grounds very well and would be able to get in the main house undetected. She imagines Willow would know where Edward’s gun collection was. Turner says, it’s certainly worth a search, when Anna’s phone rings. Turner says, sorry. She has a meeting she has to get to. She’ll have the warrant in front of a judge, and it should be ready within the hour. Anna says, great. They’ll make sure to double-check the address this time. Turner gives her a look and leaves.

Ronnie says, Tracy had something with Monica she never had – a lifetime of memories – and the bond between them was so clear in all of her letters. Please tell her about Monica. Tell her everything. What made her laugh the hardest? Even as child, she had a spectacular… Tracy says, stop. She’s under no obligation to tell Ronnie anything about Monica. Monica chose not to spend her days with Ronnie and didn’t share things with her because she didn’t want Ronnie to know them. Monica had no relationship with Ronnie, which was why she knows in her bones that Monica did not give her this house. She wouldn’t give Ronnie a dime, much less something that meant so much to her. Ronnie says she was hoping for Monica’s sake and the sake of the family, they could reach some kind of understanding, but it appears it’s not in the cards. Tracy says she spent time with Monica every single day, and not once did she mention even thinking about Ronnie, much less disinheriting her beloved grandson. She knows what Ronnie is doing is a scam and she’s damn well going to prove it. She grabs her bag and walks out.

Jordan says she should know better than to walk and text, but Portia says, it’s fine. Jordan says she should also know better than to answer a summons from Drew Cain. That man is infuriating. Portia says, on that, they can agree, and Jordan says, Dr. Navarro, it’s good to see you. The doctor says, her too, and Jordan says she’ll let them get back to their conversation. Sorry for interrupting. She leaves.

Tracy meets Lulu at Bobbie’s and asks what Lulu’s got for her. Lulu says, hello to you too. I’m great. Loving the weather we’re having. The kids are wonderful. Tracy apologizes and says she’s very preoccupied. She just had the most annoying conversation. Lulu says, who with? and Tracy says, with Monica’s guttersnipe sister, who’s taken over their home. She can’t make a cup of tea in peace, so please tell her that she found something that can be used to run the sister out of town and end this nightmare. Lulu says she did some digging like Tracy asked, and gives her a manila envelope. Here’s everything she needs to know about Ronnie Bard.

Ronnie is drinking her tea, when Michael comes in and says, good morning. How was her first night in her new house? Ronnie says, the bed was very comfortable, but she spent most of the time tossing and turning all night. She’s having a terrible time wrapping her head around this and she’s not the only one; Would he like some tea? He says, no. Thank you though, and she shouldn’t let Tracy get to her. She says, it’s not just Tracy, and he says, to be clear, he’s the one everyone expected to inherit the house. She says, he lives in the house, and he says, that’s true, but his grandmother had a way of surprising people. She says, that’s a very generous way of looking at it, and he says he should be thanking her. If she hadn’t been named new owner of the house and given that search warrant such a close look, the police would have been all over this place immediately. She says, would that have been a problem?

Portia says, sorry to just stop by like this, but Elizabeth says, no. It’s fine. Is she okay? Portia says, not really. Can she come in? Elizabeth says, of course (🍷), and Portia says, are they alone? Elizabeth says, yeah. Willow is at work and Aiden is at school. Can she get Portia something? Portia says she just needs a friend, and Elizabeth says, she has one, and hugs her. Tell her what’s going on. Portia says, Elizabeth was with her when she got dizzy the other day and asked if could be pregnant. Elizabeth says, Portia didn’t seem thrilled by the possibility, and Portia says, it’s not just a possibility anymore. She’s pregnant.

Turner walks into Diane’s office and says, Miss Miller, this needs to be quick… She sees that Sonny is there and says, his attorney’s assistant told her to go right in. Sonny says, yeah. Suzanne is great, isn’t she? When she gets to know you better, you might be lucky enough to score her carrot cake. (Now I want carrot cake.) Turner says she’s got a meeting with Diane. Where is she? Sonny says, court, a deposition, buying shoes. Who can say? Turner says, clearly, he can, and he says, let him tell her something about Diane. She does a lot of things, including facilitating. So today he’s paying her to facilitate. Turner is meeting with him.

Lulu says she took time out of her busy schedule to compile information for Tracy free of charge. So what she thinks Tracy meant to say was, thank you. Tracy says, for what? All Lulu found was information that made Ronnie look like a Girl Scout. She needs something she can use. Lulu says she’s sorry. She can’t find something that isn’t there. Tracy says, Lulu found out absolutely everything to know about Gio, and they never even knew to look for him. She has a gift in finding out secrets about people, but all she found out about Ronnie was that she won a pie baking contest in Durham. Lulu says, three years running. Look, some people really do lead normal, quiet lives. They don’t know many people like that, but she hears they exist. It looks like Ronnie might be one of them. Tracy says, everybody has something, and Lulu says, Ronnie had a husband. He died young. She has a job as a waitress. She has no debt and lives modestly within her means. She’s never been arrested and never had any trouble with the law. She knows Tracy may not want to hear this, but she doesn’t think Ronnie has anything to hide.

Ronnie tells Michael, forget it. She’s sorry she asked. She certainly wouldn’t want the cops rummaging through all her stuff and definitely wouldn’t want to have to clean up after the mess. Michael says he appreciates her for being so understanding, but it’s her house now. Considering they’re all living here, she has a right to know what’s going on. They sit down, and he says, his Uncle Drew made a lot of enemies in Port Charles, several of whom live in this house. When she first met Tracy, it was at the family crypt. She says, the memory of it is seared in her brain. She was just paying her respects. He says, Drew tried to have the crypt bulldozed, and she says, why? What? His family is interred there. His grandparents and great-grandparents. He says, his father and his grandfather, and now his grandmother, but none of that matters. Drew feels like he hasn’t been given everything he’s entitled to from the family and would rather destroy it. Ronnie says, the crypt is still standing, so they managed to thwart him, and he says, actually, it was all Monica. She outmaneuvered Drew and he never saw it coming. The crypt, all of them, are still standing because of her.

Drew tells Willow, look at him. He feels good and he’s pretty strong. He just can’t wait to get out. Willow says, great, but don’t overdo it. The doctor was signing off on his release, but try to take it easy until then.  He says he’ll do his best. He’s really looking forward to getting home so they can get back to their life together. She says she has good news. She’s seeing her kids today. He says, that’s amazing. How did she manage that? She says, actually, it was Michael’s idea. He stopped by Elizabeth’s with an offer for her to see Wiley and Amelia this afternoon. Drew asks, what’s the catch?  

Portia tells Elizabeth that she was completely irresponsible. She’s a doctor. She knows her body and never should have let this happen. Elizabeth says, it’s not all on her. Curtis was there too. Portia says, he’s having some pretty major problems, and they decided to end the marriage. Now this. Elizabeth says she’s so sorry. She didn’t know. So Curtis doesn’t know about the baby yet? Portia says, no and she knows him. He’ll want to stay together for the baby. Elizabeth asks what she wants, but Portia says she doesn’t know. She doesn’t know how it would happen. Either they’ll work it out and stay together and one or both of them will be miserable, or they’ll follow through on the divorce. Elizabeth says, and fight over the baby? and Portia says, assuming Curtis is even the father.

Isaiah says he was hoping things were simple and easy with the next relationship he got into, and Lucas says, the heart wants what the heart wants. Is it worth the headache? Isaiah says he thinks so.

Turner says she doesn’t appreciate an ambush, and Sonny says, it’s not an ambush. She just took a hit in the paper, and he figured she didn’t want to be seen in public with him. So if he went to her office or she came to his house, it would be seen as public. What about her having an issue with the warrant at the Quartermaines? She flashes back to giving the wrong address on the phone while looking at Sonny at the gym and asks why he’s concerned. He says, it’s clear she’s building a case against his son, and she says she told him before, she’s not discussing an ongoing case with him. And for the record, the PCPD builds the case. She prosecutes it. He says, that may be true, but if his son is charged with Drew Cain’s shooting, she may never prosecute again.

Lulu suggests Tracy consider why Monica left a parting gift to her sister, and Tracy asks if she means the house they all call home. Lulu says, Ronnie hasn’t kicked anyone out, and Tracy says she’d like to see her try. Lulu says, at the end of the day, Tracy, Michael, Ned, and Jason all have more money than their children’s children could ever spend. Tracy says, that’s not the point, and Lulu asks, what is? Does Tracy want to know what she thinks? Tracy says, no, but Lulu says, too bad. She doesn’t think Tracy’s problem is with Ronnie at all. Her problem is with Monica.

Ronnie says she remembers Michael mentioning that Drew seduced his ex-wife, so she assumes that’s why she’s his ex. Michael says, if he’s being honest, there’s plenty of blame to go around, but Drew did more than his fair share. He pursued Willow with everything he had and didn’t stop until he got her. Ronnie says, that’s awful. The betrayal is so devastating, especially coming from an uncle who he probably trusted and a wife who he obviously loved. He says, it was hard. He’s not sure he’s made sense of it all yet, and if it confuses him, how does he expect his kids to understand why their mom and dad aren’t together and their mom is with Uncle Drew now. She says, Wiley and Amelia are lovely. A marriage ending is never easy, especially when children are involved. You’ve invested so much of yourself and your time, and when the relationship goes away, you’re left wondering how you can ever rebuild. He says, it sounds like she’s been through losses of her own, and she says, you don’t reach this stage in life without your share of disappointment or regret. He says he doesn’t want to regret any choices he’s made about the kids and doesn’t want to question whether or not he did everything he could to keep them safe.  

Turner says, threatening her wouldn’t be wise, but Sonny says he’s just giving her the facts. She’s got a conflict of interest. Doesn’t she remember the night she was at his house and overheard Drew threaten Michael and flat out trying to extort him? He guesses she didn’t mention that or the fact she came to his house to make pizza with him and his daughter. She asks if he’s threatening to reveal that to the higher ups, but he says he’s making her see the truth. If Michael is charged in Drew’s shooting, she won’t be able to prosecute it. She and the cops know that.

Jordan goes to Curtis’s office and asks, what’s going on? He says, in her last text, she said she was with Drew, and she says, Drew wanted to make her an offer. Either she exerted pressure on the police to arrest Michael or Drew would point the finger at Curtis and say Curtis shot him. Curtis says, Drew never ceases to amaze him. It’s just a scare tactic. Drew is salivating at the thought of pinning his shooting on Michael. He thinks it will clear a path back to Willow. She says, that’s what she thought. Here’s the problem. Michael may be the focus, but if new evidence turns up, the case against Michael will fall apart. Then what? If Drew’s next best option is to steer the investigation to Curtis. Curtis says, let him. Drew has nothing on him. Drew can’t blackmail him anymore. He’s out from under Drew’s thumb. So is Portia.

Elizabeth asks if Portia is saying it’s possible Curtis may not be the father of the baby, and Portia says, yeah, when there’s a knock at the door. Elizabeth says, they’ll go away, but Anna says, it’s Commissioner Devane. She needs to speak with Elizabeth. Elizabeth says she doesn’t know what about and goes to the door. Anna is there with an officer, and Elizabeth asks if she can help with something. Anna says they have a warrant to search the premises.

Jordan asks if Curtis is saying Drew lost the leverage that he had on him and Portia. The evidence is just gone? He says, seems like it. When he saw Drew yesterday, he knew there was something different. Drew’s got nothing on them. Jordan says, it’s kind of miraculous. Portia must be relieved. Although it didn’t seem that way when she ran into her. Curtis says, she saw Portia? and Jordan says, yeah, at the hospital. She literally ran into her. She was with Dr. Navarro, and it seemed pretty tense. He says, Portia’s got a lot on her mind. God knows he does. She asks what he means. If Drew is no longer a concern, then what is the problem? He says he and Portia made the decision that as soon as Drew was no longer a threat and neither one of them might be charged in the shooting, they were going to file for divorce.

Lulu tells Tracy, the last few years with Monica were difficult, but hey still sparred, and Tracy says, of course (🍷). Lulu says, it was their thing, and Tracy says, it was, but actually… They put down their weapons and their guard and became close. She protected Monica. For her to turn around and give the family home to a long, lost relative? She doesn’t believe it. Whatever Monica thought of her, she’d never do that to Michael. Ronnie Bard was hiding something and was as phony as a ten-dollar toupee. And if Lulu can’t prove it, she will. Tracy gathers up her things and walks out.

Turner wonders if Sonny is blackmailing her, but he says he’s not. If he was, he’d let her prosecute the case, then force her to tank it. They both know she has information she shouldn’t have and has a conflict of interest. She should not be part of the case. Give it to one of her staff. She says, one of her less experienced, less skilled staff, but he says, one of her less compromised staff. She’s got to find a way out of this dicey situation. She asks if he’s protecting her, but he says he’s protecting them.  

Drew tells Willow that it’s a trap. Michael is not letting her see the kids out of the goodness of his heart. She’s seeing the kids on his terms with a therapist of his choice. She says she knows, and he says, what if the therapist submits a bad report? She says, it’s a chance she’s going to take. It’s a chance to see her kids, so she’s taking it. It’s not like she has a lot of options. Aside from actually needing to see her kids, if she says, no, she’ll look terrible in court. He says, it will establish a pattern. If she agrees to supervised visits now, what’s to stop the court from doing that in the future? She says she doesn’t know. Even if it’s one of Michael’s tactics, she can’t go any longer without seeing her kids. He says, at least bring her own witness. Call Martin. She says, no. She’s agreeing to Michael’s terms, and it has to be now. She has to see her kids and reconnect. Let them know they can depend on her, especially if Michael is about to be arrested.

Michael tells Ronnie, one thing he’s accepted, as painful as it may be, is that Willow ultimately cares more about being with Drew than she cares about their kids. Ronnie says, how? That’s a very strong statement to make, especially about a mother. He tells her that he says it because of what Willow’s done and continues to do. Every time there’s a choice, she decides to put what Drew wants over the kids’ welfare. Every time. Ronnie says she’s known some women who have done the same thing. It’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul. Paul is good with it, but nobody else is. He says, exactly. Wiley and Amelia love their mother and expect her to love them. She asks if they get to see her a lot, and he says, not recently, but that may change today. She says she hopes it’s a step to healing old wounds, but he says he can’t count on that. He’d do anything for his kids and their needs have to come before anyone else’s, even their mother.

Leaving a message for Ric, Elizabeth says, the police are searching her house. So if he’d done with his stupid digital detox, she could really use his help. Call her back ASAP.  Anna comes downstairs holding a package and says they’d like Elizabeth to accompany them to the station. Elizabeth asks, what’s going on? and Anna asks, where is her houseguest?

On Monday, Curtis tells Portia that he thinks they should hold off on the divorce; Drew tells Willow, it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when; and Sonny asks if Michael knows something he doesn’t.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

I voted for him actually being Faison. I know it’s a long shot, but that’s what I want it to be.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/is-nathan-on-general-hospital-an-impostor-vote-now/

The tallies on who should get Monica’s house. I voted for Jason. I guess the someone else turned out to be Ronnie.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-poll-results-this-is-who-fans-think-should-have-gotten-monicas-house/

Not that it will affect the judge’s decision, but why not vote for the Daytime Emmys too?

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/who-should-win-at-the-2025-daytime-emmy-awards-cast-your-votes/

It says he was one of several Luckys, but I don’t remember him. I am loving Beyond the Gates though.

https://ew.com/soap-star-greg-vaughan-joins-beyond-the-gates-cast-11824870

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

My main takeaway points were: Do not touch a jellyfish then rub your eye. A shout out to deckhand Max for this lesson. (Really, Max? Really?) Deckhand Christian has a less than zero work ethic, but Nathan is so piss-poor at communication, there are a lot of balls being fumbled. When given a challenge by guests, Chef Josh knows how to pivot. The crew also got a 30,000-euro tip, which was $2800 each. Not bad for a messy team.

Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City

Lisa was out to antagonize Angie and had her Wolf hair products picked up from Angie’s dusty salon. Angie texted Lisa that her products were dusty, but not the salon. Heather told Angie to let it go. Angie told Meredith that Lisa wanted her to dig up dirt when she and Meredith weren’t in a good place. Meredith said that wasn’t who Lisa was, but obviously, it was exactly who Lisa was. Brittani and Jared were talking engagement again, but Whitney suggested Britani give it 30 days for her daughter Olivia. How about giving it zero days and f***s? Bronwyn’s mom was staying with her, in Bronwyn’s interview, she said her mom had the idea of what a perfect Mormon family should look like, and she never measured up. Now her daughter Gwen was following her example. She’d been pregnant at Gwen’s age and Muzzy didn’t take it well. I didn’t like old Muzzy very much. She was very judgmental. Mary’s church was reopening, and she was pretty pleased about that. She was also on Watch What Happens Live this week and seems to have gained a surprising sense of humor. Definitely the MVP once again.

Real Housewives Of Orange County

Once again, pets were the great leveler when Shannon needed another poop bag for Archie and didn’t have one. Been there. She also hoped she hadn’t stepped in it. Been there too. This was while she was on her way to Jen’s for a group session with a pet psychic. Emily and Gina also attended, and we found out that Archie wanted a brother, but not a puppy, a dog closer to his age. Honestly, I used to think this stuff was nuts, but we have a dog whisperer in the neighborhood who changed my rescue Chihuahua with one walk. So who knows? I do think Archie could use some canine company being an only dog. Tamra met with Katie and there were opinions about that. In Katie’s interview, she said Slade was the root of the tornado or the eye of the storm. I’m not sure what to say except I don’t think eye of the storm means what she thinks it means. Tamra told her that everything Slade and Gretchen said she was doing to them was what they were doing to her. Emily had a Trevor Project even to raise money for a wrongly imprisoned man to go back to school now that he was free. They ended up raising $41K. I doff my cap to a good cause. Gretchen showed up with Slade, and when Jenn didn’t want to deal with them and walked away, Gretchers shrieked, run, bitch, run! Nice.

Eeny, meeny, chili beanie. Who will sit next to Andy?

This is a little creepy. And not Halloween creepy.

Real Housewives Of Miami

I hate these Reunions since it’s all rehashing and people getting pissed off all over again. It’s like watching a rerun, but without some fabulous city in the background. There was a big brouhaha about did Julia and Adriana or didn’t they? Julia ended up giving Adriana a box with a replica of a human heart in it because Adriana had stolen her heart or some such nonsense. Work it out on your own time, ladies. Lisa was still getting picked on for going away instead of staying with her dad. They still had time together and he told her to go. STFU already.

Random Reality Items

I think she’ll be an interesting addition. And she’ll give great fashion.

In case you were losing sleep at night over this.

The new season begins November 19th.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Bring Her Back. HBO/MAX. This film wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t classify it as the best horror film of 2025, as one reviewer did. That would be Sinners. A woman wants to bring her daughter back from the dead and attempts a more complicated than it needed to be ritual.

https://decider.com/2025/10/06/bring-her-back-digital-release-streaming-movie-review

Monster: The Ed Gein Story. Netflix. Like most dramatizations of true crime, this limited series took a lot of liberties with the truth. Which is not to say it wasn’t still a compelling drama containing a lot of truth, some fantasy, and maybes that we’ll never really know. The acting was just incredible, especially Laurie Metcalf as Ed’s mother, the inspiration for Psycho. There was some time jumping – not my favorite storytelling technique – and also parallel stories of the future where the films based on the killer were being filmed. There were also Ed’s fantasies, most notably that of a sort of relationship with real life Nazi Ilse Koch. These sequences reminded me a lot of Cabaret, and I found them mesmerizing. That being said, it’s not for the faint of heart. Even I found it creepy, and that’s saying a lot.

https://ew.com/charlie-hunnam-worried-monster-ed-gein-role-was-horrible-mistake-11825170

https://ew.com/monster-the-ed-gein-story-fact-vs-fiction-11825218

Baylen Out Loud was also back, and I was there for it. This season, she and fiancé Colin are planning a wedding. I love this couple and watching Baylen navigate the world on her own while navigating Tourette’s is both heartening and heart wrenching. Things we take for granted, like going to the grocery store or baking a cake, cause all kinds of anxiety for Baylen, but she has a wonderful support system and a whole lot of fans cheering her on.

https://extratv.com/2025/10/02/baylen-out-loud-baylen-wants-alpacas-at-her-wedding-exclusive-clip/

https://extratv.com/2025/10/02/baylen-dupree-talks-wedding-planning-and-fiance-colin-bonding-with-her-dad-exclusive/

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

I’m not so sure a sequel was necessary. The ending of the first one was so good, I nearly stood up and applauded. And I was sitting at my computer. From what I’ve read, I’m sticking with that opinion, but no doubt I’ll watch it anyway.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/black-phone-2-review-fantastic-fest

This, on the other hand, looks intriguing. The Bone Temple was one of my favorite parts of 28 Years Later.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-trailer

I’m so glad this is moving forward. I want to know what goes on beyond the Wall in Westeros.

https://ew.com/a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-game-of-thrones-differences-ira-parker-exclusive-11822602

🐺 On the Howl-o-Ween Side…

🐈‍⬛ When it comes to pets, celebrities are just like us.

https://www.tmz.com/2024/10/30/celebrity-pets-all-dressed-up-for-halloween/

🦝 Some inspiration. I’ll admit it. I actually bought costumes for my dogs this year.

https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/pets/editor-favorite-pet-halloween-costumes

🐻 And of course…

🕸 Quotes of the Week

There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot. – Plato

If you can’t make a mistake you can’t make anything. – Marva Collin

Expecting life to treat you well because you are a good person is like expecting an angry bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian. – Shari R. Barr

Before anything else, preparation is the key to success. – Alexander Graham Bell

A letter is a soul, so faithful an echo of the speaking voice that to the sensitive it is among the richest treasures of love. – Honoré de Balzac

Nothing will work unless you do. – Maya Angelou (Preach!)

A tiny change today brings a dramatically different tomorrow. – Richard Bach

I’m not the art police. Everybody is allowed to feel exactly how they want.Taylor Swift

You want poetry, you listen to Neil Diamond. You want advice, listen to your mother. – Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty), The Golden Girls

🧙‍♀️ Double, Double, Toil and Trouble…

Until next week, stay safe; stay not judging anyone for their beliefs about Halloween and respect them celebrating or not; and stay knowing what you want and not settling for less.

October 3, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Ric Attempts To Escape, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Addressed, Starting the Season, Uncanny Sightings, X Quotes & Scary

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What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Tracy told the unfamiliar woman that her timing was terrible, and it was private property. The woman said she was there to pay her respects to her sister. Her name was Veronica Bard, but Tracy could call her Ronnie.

Spinelli and Felicia were at Bobbie’s with James, who seemed quiet. Felicia asked him to look at the desserts, and he went to the counter. Spinelli said James wasn’t okay, and Felicia said he missed his mom. Spinelli said, now they were about to upend his life all over again.

Obrecht met Nina at the hospital, when Britt came out of the elevator asking, what was the big emergency? Was Nina trying to get her fired? Nina said she was trying to arrange a family reunion.

Willow asked how Nathan was feeling, and he said, great. They introduced themselves and she said she was his niece.

Anna looked over the suspect list, when her phone rang. She said, well, that is a turn of events. She’d follow up.

Ric woke up, and Ava said he seemed restless. She had just the thing for that.

Kristina and Molly went to see Michael, and gave him their condolences, and he introduced them to a friend of his, Jacinda.

Obrecht said she wasn’t interested in a reconciliation, and Britt said she wasn’t either, but Nina said, just stop. Something incredible happened. Whatever they were going through, they’d need each other to get through this. Nathan was alive.

Willow said it was a huge shock finding out Nina was her mother, and Nathan said finding out who his parents were turned his world upside down. She told him about Obrecht volunteering for her bone marrow transplant, and he said family was important. She said they were family, and he said he liked it. A new niece and a son he never met.

Spinelli wondered how they were going to tell James that his father wasn’t dead, but there in Port Charles, and Felicia said they’d done a DNA test and the man in the bed was Nathan. James had a right to know his father was alive. Spinelli asked if his mother shouldn’t be there to guide him, and she said they both wished Maxie could be there, but she wasn’t. So they had to step up and be there for James together. Maxie would want James to know the truth.

Ava said they couldn’t have Ric waking up. It would go easier if he just took another nice long nap. Ric said, no more drugs. Let him go. She said she promised she would, just not today. Open his mouth. She put a pill in his mouth, gave him some water, and said, swallow it. That’s a good boy.

Michael said Jacinda stopped by to offer her condolences, and Jacinda said she lost her grandmother not long ago. She wanted to make sure Michael was holding up okay. Did Kristina run Charlie’s? Kristina said it was her place, and Jacinda said she was sorry about the fire. Kristina said it would be up and running soon, and Molly asked how Jacinda and Michael knew each other. Jacinda said they’d crossed paths and hit it off, and Kristina asked if she could borrow Michael for a second. She and Michael went to the foyer.

Tracy said she’d had Monica investigated before she married Alan and knew about Ronnie. Ronnie asked if Monica never mentioned her, and Tracy said, not a peep. Obviously, Monica didn’t want Ronnie in her life, so why was she popping up now that Monica was dead? Ronnie asked if Tracy always greeted visitors with hostility, and Tracy said just the uninvited ones that showed up at the family crypt. Monica didn’t want Ronnie in her life. Ronnie said they were estranged and had led very different lives, but Tracy was wrong about how things stood between her and her sister. Everything had changed well before Monica died.

Obrecht asked if Nina was certain, and Nina said she was afraid to believe it, but they’d done a DNA test, and she’d spoken to him. Obrecht’s son and Britt’s brother was alive. Obrecht said she needed to see her son, and Nina said she’d take them to him. They followed her to Nathan’s room and Willow opened the door.

Kristina asked if Michael and Jacinda were on a date, but Michael said, Jacinda came to offer her condolences. Kristina asked if he knew Jacinda was the escort with Drew the night of his ketamine bender, and he said, it was one night and just business. Jacinda was a friend. Kristina said he might be her next mark, but he said he was good. She said she was just looking out for him.

Jacinda asked what Molly did, and Molly said she was a prosecutor, an ADA. Were she and Michael dating? Jacinda said they were getting to know each other, when Kristina came back with Michael and said they should head out. In the foyer, Kristina said she wanted a full recap of Tracy throwing Drew out of the memorial, and Michael said he’d make sure she got it. Tracy went full-on Tracy. Kristina and Molly left, and Jacinda told Michael that she wasn’t sure they bought it.

Tracy wondered how Ronnie and Monica conveniently reunited without her knowledge, and Ronnie said Monica wrote her a letter. No one was more surprised than she was. Monica had never reached out, even though she’d been easy to find. She assumed Monica wasn’t interested, but thought has we grew older, we faced mortality and regrets loomed large. Tracy said she assumed Ronnie wrote back, and Ronnie said, of course (🍷). They’d written back and forth for the past year or so, Tracy wanted to see proof. She didn’t know Ronnie, but knew Monica’s handwriting anywhere. She also knew that Ronnie hadn’t darkened Monica’s doorstep in over 50 years, but when she got wind of the fact Monica died, she came circling like a vulture. Why was she really there?

James came back and asked if something happened to his mom, but Felicia said, absolutely not. She talked to his mom’s doctors every day and they were taking excellent care of her. James asked, what’s wrong? and Spinelli said they had good news. There had been a strange mistake, and his dad was alive. James said, he wasn’t. He was an angel who lived in heaven.

Obrecht said, my son. It was really him. She hugged Nathan and cried. Britt looked stunned.

Ava said Ric was missing out on a lot of billable hours. Drew had been shot, and half the town was being investigated. Ric asked if Drew was alive, and Ava said, yeah, and Willow was a prime suspect. He said she had to stop this, and she told him that she said she would, just not right now. It didn’t have to be this way. They’d had a good thing going and were cut from the same cloth. She guessed the heart wanted what the heart wanted, and he wanted Elizabeth, the fairest maiden in all of Port Charles. It allowed Kristina to play him for a fool, but the reason he was here was because he got greedy. He said, so did she, but she said she deserved every penny. In ten days, all the money he stole would be back in the Cassadine estate, minus her divorce settlement of course (🍷). Cheer up. By the time he could form a coherent thought again, it would all be over. Sleep tight. She went back upstairs.

Ronnie said she could see Tracy was grieving. That’s why she was trying to be polite. But she’d stepped over a line no decent person would cross. Tracy said Ronnie showed up unannounced and uninvited to a private memorial, probably to ask for a handout. Ronnie said she didn’t want a thing from Tracy or her sister. She got along just fine. She read that Monica died and knew the funeral was private, so she came there instead to pay her respects. Tracy said the funeral was for select invitees, close family and friends and respected colleagues, of which Ronnie was none. Whatever she came for, she wasn’t going to get, so she could sneak out the way she snuck in. Ronnie said she didn’t sneak. The gate was open. Tracy said she’d have it fixed, and Ronnie said, Monica wrote a lot about her family – Jason, Michael, Michael’s children, and her great-grandchildren. She’d like to meet them and give her condolences to the family. Tracy said the family was nothing to her and she was nothing to them.

Obrecht said her son had been restored to her. Where had he been? Nathan said he didn’t know. The last thing he remembered was being shot by Faison. She said he was found on the road in a car crash. Was he trying to escape someone? He said he really didn’t know. He did know he and Maxie had a son and he wanted to meet James as soon as possible.

Spinelli said they did believe James’s father was in heaven, but it turned out they were wrong. He was in Port Charles. Felicia said she’d seen him and spoken to him. He was in GH. James asked if he was hurt, and she said, no. He was in an accident, but he was okay. He didn’t remember where he’d been. James asked if his father remembered him, but Felicia said they’d never actually met. James was born after he went away. James said he didn’t know his father except for what his mom told him and pictures, and Spinelli said he knew it was a lot to find out. It was for them too, but they were all in this together. If James wasn’t ready, he didn’t have to meet his father until he wanted to.

Alexis came home and asked Ava, how’s Ric? Ava said she’d just given him a sedative and asked how it went with Anna. Alexis said the appointment was canceled. They didn’t reschedule, so she was taking it as a win – for now. Ava asked if she thought she was in the clear, and Alexis said she was cautiously optimistic. They couldn’t let the PCPD know what was in the basement. Ava said they just had to endure 10 more days, and the money Ric stole would be back where it belonged, and they could wash their hands of each other permanently.

Ric spit out the pill and hid it under the mattress. He struggled with the handcuffs.

Anna said she had something of interest to Turner, and Turner asked how questioning Alexis went. Anna said she wasn’t ruling Alexis out, but the evidence was pointing elsewhere, and Turner said, Sonny? Anna said, no. The strike marks on the bullet matched one from an earlier crime and the gun was registered to a highly unlikely suspect – a dead man, namely Edward Quartermaine.

Ronnie said Tracy was making assumptions about her character when Tracy didn’t know her, and Tracy said she didn’t want to know her. Ronnie said maybe Tracy didn’t know Monica as well as she thought, and Tracy said Monica never once mentioned Ronnie’s name in the 45 years she knew her. Monica didn’t want anything to do with Ronnie, and she intended to honor that and follow suit. Ronnie said she and Monica had been separated as children and raised in the foster care system, and Tracy said she knew Monica’s foster mother. Ronnie said she and Monica were estranged by circumstance, not by choice. They didn’t grow up as sisters and when she found Monica again, Monica was already a young woman, married to her first husband, and in the middle of her medical internship. She was building a life that was a far cry from the past they’d shared, and Monica wanted nothing to do with her. She took it hard and said things she regretted. So did Monica. Life took people in different directions, and although her life had different trappings than Monica’s, she was proud of it. She never asked or needed anything from her sister. Tracy said it was a compelling story, but she didn’t believe a word of it.

Alexis told Ava that the situation with Drew had been enlightening. His behavior was so extreme, he pushed someone else to extremes and got shot. Ava and Kristina had gone to extremes with Ric because of their eye for an eye vendetta. It was going to end. The money would be put back, and they’d push the reset button, putting it in the past for all of them. Ava said she was willing, and it seemed like Alexis and Kristina were willing, but one person might not be so amenable – Ric. Alexis said he had no choice. If they went down, he went down. She knew Ric. He’d get upset, lick his wounds, and get over it. It would be fine. Ava said everybody had a limit to how far they were willing to be pushed, and she left.

Anna said the gun was from an entire collection registered to the Quartermaine address, and Turner said, where a suspect lived – Michael. Anna said, Tracy lived there and was discovered first on the scene. She despised Drew, but if she’d wanted him dead, he’d probably be dead. Turner said Drew destroyed Michael’s family and was working to take away his children. Michael had access and plenty of motive. Anna said, just because it could happen didn’t mean it did. Had Turner ruled anyone out? Turner said Carly had an alibi – Jack – but Anna said Jack would lie for Carly in a heartbeat. Turner said Carly once shot a man point blank in court, and Anna said Carly would definitely kill to protect her children. Turner said they couldn’t rule out Curtis, and Anna said he and Drew had been at each other’s throats for almost a year and Curtis held Drew completely responsible for his aunt’s arrest. Turner said, maybe he’d reached his breaking point, and Anna said he’d been a cop and could stage a scene and cover his tracks. Turner said, what about Nina and Willow? and Anna said they had a complicated relationship. They were both sleeping with Drew at the same time (ew!). Turner said, they might both want revenge and were in on it together.

Nina thanked Willow for treating Nathan. She couldn’t believe Liesl had her son back. Maybe she and Willow could call a truce. Willow said that wasn’t going to happen. She was happy Nina had her brother back, but it changed nothing. Nina lied to her and manipulated her. She didn’t want anything to do with Nina. Nina said Willow could hate her all she wanted, but in reality, they needed each other. They were each other’s alibi.

Molly told Kristina that Jacinda was an escort and Michal’s alibi. It had been a set-up.  

Jacinda said she wasn’t sure how much it shored up Michael’s alibi, but it was worth a try. She really was sorry for his loss. He thanked her and said he appreciated her help. She said, it was calculated. Most people would be too caught up mourning to think about it. Would his grandmother have approved? He said he hoped so.

Ronnie said she didn’t come to Port Charles to convince anyone of anything. She came to honor her sister and wished they’d reconnected sooner. Tracy said Monica Bard may have been Ronnie’s sister, but the little girl she remembered became Dr. Monica Quartermaine, a skilled surgeon and a pillar of the community. She was too busy helping others to bother to look back. There was no room for Ronnie in the future of Monica’s family.

Willow said she didn’t need Nina, but Nina needed her. Nina didn’t have an alibi and had a history of violence. Drew used her for sex, then threw her away. It was a damn good reason to shoot someone. Nina said, if it came to that, she hoped that’s what the police believed, because Drew was instrumental in Willow losing her children. It was a damn good reason to shoot someone too.

Nathan said, tell him about his son, and Obrecht said James was magnificent, intelligent, and strong. Nathan should see him throw an ax. Britt said they should go. Nathan had head trauma and needed to rest. Obrecht said, family was equally important in healing, but Britt said Obrecht knew she was right. Obrecht told Nathan that his sister was correct, and hugged him. She said, Britt surely wasn’t going to walk out without so much as a hug, and Britt said, sorry. She hugged him and said, welcome back, and they left. In the hallway, Spinelli, Felica, and James came out of the elevator. (Before they left, Nathan gave Britt a really odd look. My theory? Hear me out. Nathan is Faison. Faison has shown up as both Duke and Luke using a mask, but perhaps his brain was put into Nathan this time.)

Kristina told Molly that Michael was going through a difficult time and seeking comfort from a woman he was seeing. She wasn’t the first sex worker he’d hung out with. Molly shouldn’t be judgmental and shame Jacinda for what she did. Molly said she wasn’t, but the run-in was orchestrated. She worked in the DA’s office and knew he was securing an alibi.

Michael said it should have been a day about his grandmother, but Jacinda said she was sure his grandmother loved him and would want him to get out of the Drew situation clean. He said, she would, and Jacinda said she thought his grandmother would have no problem with him doing what he needed to do, even today. He said he just hoped it was enough. They both knew if the cops looked deeper, his alibi wouldn’t hold.

Anna told Turner that she’d secure a warrant to search the estate. If word got out that’s where they were focusing the investigation, the Quartermaines would close ranks. They did what they could to protect their own, even cover up an attempted murder of one of their own.

Ronnie said, in Monica’s letters, she described Tracy as aggressive and abrasive, and Tracy laughed and said, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Ronnie told her that Monica said she got her abrasiveness from her father, but it was tempered by her mother’s heart. She also said Tracy’s good intentions were masked by her armor of entitlement. What she left out of her assessment was how cold Tracy was. Tracy said Monica waxing poetic about her proved Monica was losing control of her faculties. She wanted Ronnie to leave. Ronnie said masks had a tendency to slip and she suspected Tracy may not be entitled to everything she thought she was. Her sincere condolences on this very sad day. She left.

On the phone, Alexis talked to her assistant about what was on the docket, as Ric snuck around behind her.

Tuesday:

No soap – baseball.

Wednesday:

Ditto.

Thursday:

Hit us one more time.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

As Ric sneaks around behind her, on the phone, Alexis asks Suzanne, what’s on the docket for tomorrow?… Right. The reading of Monica Quartermaine’s will. That ought to go smoothly. Do her a favor. There’s a hard copy on her desk… She doesn’t need to messenger it. Just send an email. She’ll be in early in the morning… She turns around, then says, sorry. She must be hearing things.

Nathan reads the headline about himself in The Invader.

Felicia says, Nathan is awake and has a visitor, and Obrecht tells James that his father has been asking all about him. James says, really? and Obrecht says, of course (🍷), and she knows he’ll be delighted to finally meet James. James asks if he can see his father right now, but Britt says, wait. She’s his Aunt Britt. She’ll tell him all about it some time, but right now she needs to speak to the grown-ups for a minute. James says, okay, and she says, because he’s being so understanding – she gives him some cash – he can go get a soda from the vending machine. James asks Spinelli, can he? and Spinelli says, it’s after dark, so… James says, no caffeine, and Spinelli says, go for it. James says, copy, and runs off. Spinelli says, he’s out of earshot, and Obrecht says, good. Perhaps Dr. Westbourne will explain why they’re delaying the long-awaited reuniting of father and son. Britt says, sorry. But they can’t let James see his father.

Sonny looks at Monica’s photo on the memorial wall, when Ronnie approaches. She asks if Monica was a friend of his, and he tells her that he wouldn’t say that. They knew each other and he admired her very much. How about her? She says, Monica Quartermaine was her sister.

At the crypt, Tracy says, just when she thought she’d seen everything, along comes Ronnie. Thanks, Monica, for leaving me a mess to clean up. Michael walks in and she says, here comes another one.

Anna thanks Carly for coming to her office, and Carly asks if she needs Diane for this. Anna says, that’s up to Carly, but she’s just following up on questions from the night Drew was shot. Carly says, Anna already knows everything she needs to know. She was with Jack. End of story. Anna says she remembers Carly telling her that, but it’s not about her. It’s about Michael.

Elizabeth gives Molly the records she requested, and Molly says, the DA’s office is grateful for her cooperation. Elizabeth says she’s happy to help, but before Molly goes, has she heard from her dad?

Alexis thanks Suzanne and says she’s been helpful. She appreciates it. They’ll talk soon. She takes off her shoes and lies down on the couch. Suddenly, the Cassadine dagger is at her throat and Ric says, look what I found.

Obrecht asks, what’s wrong with Britt? James needs to meet his father, and Nathan would like to meet his son. Britt says she’s concerned jumping the gun here. Just because James’s father has resurfaced, doesn’t mean he should be rushed into a reunion. Father and son both need to be ready. Obrecht says, of course (🍷) they’re ready. Nathan said as much, and James wouldn’t be here if he didn’t want to. Spinelli says, Britt makes an excellent point, but Obrecht says, not everyone choses to stay away from a family that wants them. Nathan deserves to meet his son. Britt says, can she forget about her precious son for once and think about James? Do they really think Maxie would be okay with this?

Sonny says he’s sorry for Ronnie’s loss, and Ronnie thanks him. They introduce themselves, and Sonny apologizes and says he didn’t know Monica had a sister. Ronnie says, apparently, she’s the best kept secret Monica had. They didn’t grow up together, and after that, they sort of became estranged. Monica had her life, and she had hers. They only recently got in touch again. She doubts Monica would have told anyone in Port Charles about her. Sonny says, she definitely wouldn’t have told him, and she says, for most of her life, that was true for her too, but here they are. She guesses he was paying his respects. He says, Monica was an impressive woman, and they cared a lot about the same people. His adopted son Michael was Monica’s grandson. Ronnie says she knows that name. Monica wrote about him all the time in her letters. She was so proud of him. Sonny says, there was every reason to be, and she says, Monica adored Michael’s children Wiley and Amelia. Sonny laughs and says, they’re great kids. They were crazy about Monica. So was Michael. They had an incredible bond together, him and his grandmother. She says she was hoping to meet Michael back at the estate, but someone put stop to that, and he says, let him tell her something. Tracy Quartermaine loves to throw her weight around for a woman her size. Too bad. They’d have so much to talk about. She says, then they will. She’s not about to be scared off by Tracy Quartermaine.  

Michael asks if he’s interrupting, and Tracy says she was just having a word with his grandmother. He asks if everything is okay, and she says, peachy. Monica left her a hornet’s nest to deal with. He asks if there’s anything he can do to help, but she says, no, considering he’s the one who kicked the nest. He asks how he did that, and she says he can thank his marital woes. Now it falls to her to keep him from getting convicted of the attempted murder of a sitting congressman. He says, it might feel that way to her, but he doesn’t need her to save him, all right? He can take care of himself.

Carly says, Michael has an alibi with that Jacinda woman, and Anna says, the escort. Carly says, it is what it is. Michael is a grown man and makes his own decisions, but an alibi is an alibi. Anna says, well, that’s true, yes, but she still needs to verify his movements for that evening, especially the points that intersect with Carly’s. Carly says, okay, and sits down. Anna says Carly spoke with him that night, did she not? and Carly says, yeah. Anna says, it’s not really a question. She has Michael’s phone records. What was the call about? Carly flashes back to telling Michael that Willow caved and went back to Drew. That meant Drew was calling the shots. Michael asks who told her, and she says, Drew, and Elizabeth confirmed it. She knows Drew is threatening him and saying he has proof that the judge took a bribe, but do not fall for it. Do not give in to Drew. Michael says he agrees with her. Drew has been making a lot of assumptions about what he can control, but he has no idea how quick circumstances can change for him. Carly tells Anna that she talks all the time to her son. She’s sure she was just telling him about her day. Anna asks if Michael can confirm her account, and Carly says, yeah.

Molly says she hasn’t heard from her dad, but she guesses that’s the whole point of the digital detox, and Elizabeth says, but it’s Ric they’re talking about. Frankly, she’s shocked he’s sticking to it. Molly says she’s surprised too. She’s supportive of the whole unplugging thing, but she never thought Ric would last this long. Elizabeth says she knows Ric loves to bend the rules, and figured by now he’d have gotten in touch, and Molly asks if she thinks he reached out to someone else. Elizabeth says, if Ric was skipping out on the detox, he’d contact Molly first, and Molly says, they’re the top two and her dad’s not here. Elizabeth says, she can totally understand Molly’s dad’s need to get away, but he couldn’t have picked a worse time to drop off the face of the planet.

Ric says, remember this dagger? He’s sure Alexis’s mother would. Alexis says, fine. You win. What do you want? He says, a shower more than anything, but first a phone call. She says he doesn’t have his phone, but he says, that’s okay. He’s got hers. She’s going to call the cops and confess everything that she’s done.

Alexis tells Ric that he needs to take a minute and think about this. If she calls the police, they’re all going down. That’s Ava, that’s Kristina, that’s her, and that’s him. He says, that was more of a concern before she decided to trap him in her basement, and she says, he’s going to like the basement more than prison. He says he’s sure he can make the jury very, very sympathetic, but she says she’s not so sure. He brandishes the dagger again, and she says, he needs to calm down. He knows when he’s angry like this nothing good comes of it. He says he’s definitely angry. More than angry, closer to enraged actually, but his thinking is clear. She says, if his thinking is clear, put the knife down, and he says, and deny himself the self-satisfaction of watching the cops haul her and her psycho daughter off? She says, he’ll be right behind them, and Molly won’t like it if he kills her mother. Ric says, she’s right. Molly wouldn’t, but he’s got a better idea.

Ronnie says she went to the crypt to pay her respects and in walked Tracy, and Sonny says, must have been interesting. She says, yeah. It was something. Monica had written about her, but boy, Monica did not do justice to what she just saw live and in person. He says, let him guess. Tracy didn’t welcome her with open arms to the family. She says, no. Tracy kicked her off the property. Someone named Yuri was supposed to lock the gates behind her. He says, sounds about right, and she says, so he knows Tracy. What does he make of her? He says, the honest truth? and she says, yes, please. He says, she’s an entitled snob, and she says, it’s the same word Monica used and the same word she did. She thanks him, calling him Mr. Corinthos, and says she appreciates the validation. He says, call him Sonny, and she says, okay.

Michael says, Tracy may recall he does have an alibi, and she says, the call girl. He’s incredibly naïve. Not only is a call girl a weak alibi… He says, they like to be called sex workers now, and she says, thank you for that. This sex worker also has a history with the victim. He says, a very brief history, and she says, an unsavory history, and that is not a good thing. He says, well, it’s the only alibi he’s got. Had he known he’d need one, he would have gotten an appropriate one beforehand. She says she knows he’s lying because she can place him in front of the house at the time of the shooting, and he says he drove over there, but he didn’t shoot Drew. She asks why else he’d be there, and he says, to confront Drew. She says, did he? and he says, no. She asks, why? and he says, because he realized there was no point. He was standing next to the car, getting soaking wet from the rain, and realized confrontation was exactly what Drew would have wanted him to do, so he didn’t give Drew what he was looking for, okay? Tracy says, so he just hopped in his car soaking wet and drove away, and he says, yes. He swears he didn’t go in the house. She says, there it is. He just proved he’s as Quartermaine as the rest of them. She can’t tell if he’s lying.  

Carly says she can’t recall what they talked about, so she has no idea what Michael would say, and Anna says, fair enough. Carly asks if Anna is really going to bug Michael. His grandmother just died. Can she give it a rest? Anna says that’s what she’s doing. Out of respect for Michael’s loss, she’s questioning Carly. She thought, given Carly and Monica’s history, Carly wouldn’t be attending, so… Carly says she’s not grieving the way Michael is, but she’s sad that Monica died, and Anna says, of course (🍷). So things changed between her and Monica then? Carly tells her that she can’t say they got close, but over the years, she and Monica had something in common. Anna says, which was? and Carly says, Jason. Jason, Michael, Wiley, and Amelia were enough for Monica, so they were enough for her. Anna asks if it would be fair to say that Carly is welcomed at the Quartermaine estate, and Carly says, except for Tracy, yes, she is.

Spinelli tells Britt that they discussed it and had taken Maxie’s feelings into consideration. They couldn’t see how they could deny James the chance to meet his father. Britt says, James has already waited seven years. What’s one more night? Obrecht says, we’ve respectfully listened to your opinion, even though no one has asked for it. We can take it from here. Britt asks if they’d consider consulting a child therapist who can think of the best way for James to be introduced to his father, and Felicia says, well, that’s certainly something they could talk about. Spinelli agrees and says he guesses he’ll go break the bad news to James, but Britt says he doesn’t have to be one to disappoint James. She’ll do it. Obrecht says, the perfect choice. After all, who’s more proficient in doling out disappointment? Felicia says, when James comes back, she’ll help him to understand they want what’s best for him, and what’s best for him is to wait.

James goes into Nathan’s room, and Nathan says, hello there. James says, hi, and Nathan says, you must be James.

James says he got Nathan a soda. He didn’t know which kind Nathan liked, so he got orange and grape. Nathan can pick. Nathan says, James isn’t going to believe this, but orange and grape are both his favorites, and James says, really? Nathan says, really. So James has to help out by picking his favorite. James says, orange and grape are his favorites? No way. If he had to choose, he guesses he likes orange a little more. Nathan says he’ll take the grape. He likes that one a little more. They open their soda cans, and Nathan says, you know, we should have a toast. James says, to what? and Nathan says, to having the same favorite sodas as his son. (I gotta say, these two are very sweet together. If Ryan Peavey doesn’t have kids, he needs to get some.)

Outside Bobbie’s, Sonny says, Bobbie’s is the Port Charles institution that everyone comes to. That includes Ronnie’s sister. Ronnie says, Monica never struck her as the diner type, but Sonny says, Monica was full of surprises. They go in and sit down, and Ronnie says she’s been waiting tables since junior high and this place… Sonny says, yeah? and she says, the water glasses are full and the customers are happy. The food smells great and she loves the menu. He says, try the BLT. It’s unbelievable. She says, will do. The place is immaculate. Whoever owns it obviously cares. He says he’ll tell her. His ex-wife Carly owns it and she’ll be thrilled she’s getting rave reviews from a pro. They laugh, and Ronnie says, he’s been so kind and welcoming. She can’t imagine why he and Monica didn’t get along. He says, she had her reasons, and Ronnie says she’s sure Monica did. Even as a child, she had very strong opinions. When they finally got in touch again, she saw Monica hadn’t changed much, but then neither had she. He says, if she doesn’t mind him asking, when did they stop talking? and she says, a long, long time ago and as she said, they’d only gotten in touch recently. When Monica wrote her a letter, it was the surprise of her life. He says, good surprise? and she says, hell yeah. Oddly enough, that surprised her too. She hadn’t realized how much she missed Monica and now that she’s gone, she finds herself… He says, regretting the time she had? and she says, yeah. He says he’s been there.  

Tracy tells Michael, congratulations. He inherited the family’s superpower. He says, if she’s so sure he’s lying, why not go to the cops and tell them what she saw? She says she thought she’d made herself clear. She doesn’t care if he shot Drew or not. She only cares that he stays a free man.

Carly tells Anna that her grandchildren live with the Quartermaines. Of course (🍷) they allow her on the property. Anna says, so she can go see them whenever she wants, and Carly says she absolutely can. Anna says, okay then. Great. She thanks Carly for her time and help, and Carly says, someone shot Drew. The SOB had it coming, but it wasn’t Michael, okay? It wasn’t Michael. So why doesn’t Anna do her job and stop trying to pin it on the obvious suspect. Anna says, it’s her responsibility to investigate every suspect, obvious or not, and Carly says, Michael didn’t shoot Drew. He’s not a killer. Anna says, Claudia Zacchara might beg to differ, and Carly says, he was defending her and his sister. Anna says, and she knows Carly would do anything to defend him, and Carly leaves.

Alexis asks what Ric is going to do with Elizabeth, and he says he’s guessing his Porsche isn’t parked in Alexis’s driveway. She says, no, and he says, that means he needs a ride home. She suggests he call a Ride Share, and he says, this may come as a complete surprise, but after being locked in her basement for a while, he’s not willing to negotiate. Now call Elizabeth and put it on speaker. She makes the call.

Elizabeth asks if Molly thinks her dad reached out to Ava, but Molly says, not a chance. So who does that leave? Elizabeth’s phone rings and she says, it’s Molly’s mom. She answers, hi, Alexis, when Ava comes out of nowhere, throwing a liquid in Ric’s face. He screams, aagghh! My eyes! Psycho! (God forgive me, I’m dying laughing.) Alexis disconnects the call, and Elizabeth says, that’s weird. Molly’s mom is texting her. Molly asks what she’s saying, and Elizabeth says, she called by accident. Molly says she guesses it happens, and Elizabeth says, it does, but… Molly says, but what? and Elizabeth says she could have sworn she heard Ric’s voice. Molly asks if Elizabeth thinks her dad ditched his detox without a word to either of them so he could meet up with her mom.

Ava hits Ric in the face and then over the head with something and he falls to the floor.

Sonny says he and his father were estranged for years, but not as many as Ronnie and Monica, but Ronnie says, it’s not a contest. He says, for a while, it was tough. As tough as it was and as many times as he told himself he didn’t care about his father or what happened to him, the time apart didn’t make him love his father any less, and believe him, he tried. She asks if they ever found their way back to each other, and he says, yeah. Their final year together… Ronnie says she knows he’s suffering, and he says, everybody’s different. She says, not so different. Before Monica died, she was working up the nerve to suggest meeting in person. She almost brought it up in her last couple of letters, but she didn’t. Then she said she was definitely going to ask the next time, but then… He says he’s sorry, and she says, her too. He says he doesn’t know if this will help, but his son Michael said, even though in the end her health wasn’t good, Monica was happy with her life, and she went peacefully. She says, that does help, and thanks him. He says, anytime.

Michael says he honestly doesn’t understand the sudden drive to protect him, and Tracy says she thought it would be self-explanatory. He says, if he’s convicted, all his stocks go into a trust which will increase Ned’s standing. She and Ned can broker leadership rolls. Hell, they could even groom Gio to follow in Edward’s footsteps. It’s what she always wanted for Ned. She says she thought he knew better than that. She’s a woman who always pays her debts. He asks what she could possibly owe him, and she says, nothing, but she owes Monica. No matter how many times Monica threw her out. Monica always took her back. Monica wouldn’t want anything to happen hm, so it’s her job, her duty, to see nothing does.

Anna tells Molly that they got the ballistics back, and the two bullets taken from Drew matched a gun already in the system, a gun that once belonged to Edward Quartermaine, part of the Quartermaine collection. Molly says, okay, but a lot of people come in and out of that house every day, and Anna says, Carly and Michael have a strong motive and a weak alibi. Molly seems hesitant, and Anna says, what is it? Molly says she and Kristina were at the Quartermaines this morning to give Michael their condolences. Anna says, and? and Molly says, it’s probably nothing. Anna says, Molly formed a perspective as an ADA. Did something occur at the Quartermaines that could be germane to this investigation?

Britt says, if Spinelli and Felicia want a reference for a child therapist to talk to James, she can find one, and Obrecht says, as can she, if they find it necessary. Felicia says she just hopes James gets in to see someone soon, and Spinelli wonders, where is James? He should be back by now.

Nathan says, now you try the grape one and I’ll try the orange one, and James says, okay, but he thinks they should have water first. Nathan says, good idea. Will he help out? James says, yeah, and Nathan tells him to get the cups. Spinelli, Felicia, and Obrecht stand in the doorway smiling, while off to the side, Britt doesn’t look happy.

Elizabeth says, they’ve been waiting on the x-rays and Britt said she’d be right back, and Britt says, sorry. Her seven-year-old nephew is in that room meeting his father for the first time, a man he knows nothing about and is supposed to be dead, until a couple of days ago. She found that concerning, so she took a break. If Elizabeth has to fire her, go ahead, but she’s not leaving this spot. Not yet. Elizabeth says, okay, and Britt says, okay, meaning what? Elizabeth says they make allowances for family situations, so take all the time she needs. She’ll get the x-rays. Just let her know next time.  

James says, guess what? He and his dad have the same favorite sodas, orange and grape. His father likes grape a little more and he likes orange a little more. Obrecht says, isn’t that remarkable? and Nathan says, now that they’ve covered sodas, why doesn’t James tell him what else he likes. Maybe they have more stuff in common. James says he likes comic books, horses, jumping off… In the hallway, Felicia asks if Spinelli is okay, and Spinelli says, they shouldn’t have brought James here.

At Bobbie’s, Carly thanks Sonny for sticking around, and he says, no problem. What’s up? She says, the PCPD thinks Michael is the prime suspect in Drew’s shooting, and he says, why is that? She says, because Anna just called her in for questioning and it became immediately clear Anna wanted her to say something that would incriminate Michael. She should have called Diane. He says, she didn’t give Anna anything, and she says, no, but she feels like she did. She feels like she gave something away.

Molly tells Anna that when she and Kristina got to the Quartermaines, Michael wasn’t alone. Jacinda was there. Anna laughs and asks if Molly thinks they’re involved, but Molly says she doesn’t know. Jacinda claimed she was there for the same reason she and Kristina were there, to give her condolences. Anna says, is that it? Is there something else? Molly says, that’s it. She doesn’t have any proof for this, but she got the feeling Michael orchestrated the whole thing. Anna says, how so? and Molly says Michael knew they were coming over; he invited them. So she feels like Jacinda was there for her benefit. If so… Anna says, Michael was shoring up his alibi.

Alexis and Ava struggle to get Ric back in the bed, and Alexis asks, why is he so heavy? Ava says, it must be his fat head. The more important question is, how his big fat head got loose. (Ha-ha-ha!) Alexis says she has no idea, but he was very lucid for a guy who’s been drugged for a while. Ava says she gave him a pill before she left, and starts feeling around the mattress. Alexis says, not that she’s complaining, but why did Ava come back? and Ava says she came back for her planner. She wasn’t going to, but… Damn it, Ric! Alexis says, what? and Ava says, he must have been spitting them out. She’s sorry. She didn’t see him do it. She should have jammed the pills down his throat with her fist. Alexis says, there are ten pills in there. He’s been trying to escape for ten days. Ava says, he took his shot. He missed and he’s not getting another one. Ava puts Ric in the handcuffs, and Alexis asks if she needs help. Ava says, no thank you. Of course (🍷), after all, they’re in this together, aren’t they. Ric comes to and sees he’s handcuffed again. He yells, nooo!  

Elizabeth leaves a voicemail: Hey, Ric. It’s me just checking in. You’re still doing your technical detox and not back in Port Charles, are you? Call me back.

Ava tells Ric, you know what’s funny? If you’d just kept running, you’d be a free man by now, but you couldn’t do that, could you? You had to come back and try to get one over on Alexis. Like I said, you’re a greedy man… and an ass. A greedy ass. Ric says, she can’t keep him locked up here. It’s inhuman. Alexis says, sorry her basement lacks the amenities of the panic room he built to have Carly stashed in, but besides his abominable behavior… He says, his abominable behavior? and Alexis says, there is good news. Because soon, all the money he forced her to embezzle will be back in the Cassadine trust. Ava says, except for her divorce settlement of course (🍷), and Alexis says, yeah. So just wait ten more days… He says, ten days? and Ava says he won’t even notices. It’ll fly by because he will be feeling no pain at all. He says, no, no, no, and keeps his lips tight. Ava says, open up, and tells Alexis, hold his nose. She gets Ric’s mouth open, and says, swallow it. He gulps, and she says, they need to be sure. Say, ah. She checks his mouth and says, all right. Atta boy. Alexis asks if Ava wants to do the honors, and Ava brings out a gag. Ric asks if it’s really necessary, and Ava puts it in his mouth. She says, that’s better, and she and Alexis high-five.

James says he’s glad that his dad is back. Isn’t his Oma? Obrecht says she couldn’t be happier, and Nathan says him too. It’s like he went to bed imagining what his son would be like and woke up to the best present ever.

In the hallway, Felicia says, it seems like they were worried about nothing. James and Nathan haven’t missed a beat. Spinelli says he can see that, and she asks, what’s the matter? He says he’s a bit embarrassed, but he can’t help feeling a little jealous. He’s been James’s de facto dad and now… She says, his real father is back. He knows how much James loves him. He says he does. He’s sure it’s the green-eyed monster talking, but something feels very wrong. Britt watches them, and James tells Nathan, when they let him come home from here, he should go ax throwing with him and Oma. She taught him how to throw like a Viking. Nathan says, she did? And is he good? James says, yes, he is.

Carly tells Sonny that Anna has Michael’s phone records from the night Drew was shot. She knows when he talked and knows how long. Sonny asks, what happened on their call? and Carly says she gave Michael the perfect motive. She told him that Willow was going back to Drew. She didn’t tell Anna that. He asks what she did say, and she says she told Anna to give Michael a break. His grandmother just died, for God’s sake. He asks if she and Anna talked about anything else, and she says, they talked about how she and Monica mended fences. Then Anna asked if she was allowed to visit Wiley and Amelia at the house, and she said yes. He says, so Anna started off asking questions about Michael, then started asking questions about her. Carly says she’s not a suspect. She was with Jack. He says he doesn’t buy that, and she says, if he doesn’t, Anna won’t either. He says, Anna knows she would kill for Michael and so does he.

Molly says, Michael had easy access to the gun used in the shooting, so that gives him means and he certainly had motive. If Jacinda is covering for his whereabouts, then he’d have the opportunity. Anna says, right. That puts him at the top of the suspect list, right next to Carly. Molly asks if Anna is going to secure a warrant to get the gun, and Anna says, it’s in the process as they speak, but the gun is almost certainly going to be wiped down. She guesses she’ll give it to forensics and see what they pull. Molly says, if they can tie gun to Michael or Carly, can that be enough for an arrest?

Michael thanks Tracy for everything she’s willing to do for him, regardless of who she’s doing it for, and she says, Monica loved him. He says he appreciated the way Tracy cared for her and how she’s looked out for the rest of them. He’d truly like to express his gratitude… Tracy says, when he inherits the house – and he will – she would hope he would extend the same hospitality to her that Monica did. This will soon be his house, but it will always be her home.

Sitting down in her hotel room, Ronnie says, what a day. Her phone rings, and she says, oh no. Okay, okay. She gets up, shuffles to the bed, and gets her phone out of her purse. She says, hello… Yep, this is she… Oh yes. Of course (🍷) I will be there. She ends the call and says, well, this should be interesting.

On Monday, Carly can’t shake the feeling that she said something wrong; Alexis tells Curtis that the police are closing in on him and he has to protect himself; and Jason asks why Britt is trying to stop James from seeing his dad.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

My vote is for Tracy, who should in turn give it to Jason. Who would probably not take it. Although Tracy seems to think so, I don’t know if she’d leave it to Michael.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/who-should-monica-leave-her-house-to-on-general-hospital-vote-now/

I concur. I think it’s Willow.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-drew-shooting-fans-are-convinced-this-person-pulled-the-trigger/

They’re pushing the envelope.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/2025-daytime-emmy-awards-presenters-include-stars-from-bb-btg-days-gh-and-yr/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Mediterranean

The first episode of a Below Deck season is always tough for me. I got spoiled when it was the same crew for many seasons in the beginning. Now there seems to be a new set of names every time the boat docks. Aesha is back as chief stew, and of course, Captain Sandy, so there’s that. Nathan of the first boatmance baby was trying as bosun, but crashing a jet ski into a very expensive piece of equipment wasn’t a good look. I’ll pay more attention as the season goes on and the guests get obnoxious. The first charter was a bit of a snoozefest. Not loving Kizzi, who likes to toy with boys. Ugh.

the new cast.

https://ew.com/below-deck-mediterranean-season-10-cast-11820451

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

It really is hard for me to look at Heather’s hollow cheeks. That being said, Lisa had a luncheon to explain how her dismissed lawsuits had been dismissed, complete with Mad Men easel and storyboards. Apparently, the louder you are, the more believable you are, and Lisa finally got to the point where she was waving around a board like she was on a highway corner advertising for Bob’s furniture, while chanting, dismissed, dismissed, dismissed! The one thought that often comes to mind while watching any Housewives is, are we five? and this was that moment. There was a kerfuffle about Whitney’s failed business, and Whitney ended up walking out, saying Lisa was triggering her. Alrighty then.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/rhoslc-recap-welcome-to-lisa-barlows-unhinged-lawsuit-luncheon/

Real Housewives Of Orange County

Fancy Pants Heather was offended that no one thought she could possibly be funny, and Gina said she just didn’t know Fancy Pants was a comedian. Fancy Pants asked her, what do you think acting is? Touché.  Emily told Tamra about Gretchen and family praying before taking a trip, Tamra said Gretchen was no Christian since she spread rumors, and was hiding behind the Jesus curtain. Here’s where I looked at the camera like Jim from The Office. Not only did Tamra make a huge production about becoming a Christian – water baptism and all – she then proceeded to continue acting like a screeching shrew. When Emily said both she and Fancy Pants trusted Tamra the least of the group, Tamra stomped upstairs in her age inappropriate skirt. She came back down, since it was her house and the planned activity for the day was a lesson in cake decorating. Since Tamra continued hammering at pretty much everyone, the cake decorator lady couldn’t have looked more uncomfortable. Tamra did a take-two, stomping upstairs again after a tirade about Jenn following the boy band member Tamra allegedly banged. She also quit for the second time. I think. As everyone left, Gina asked, should we bring the cake? as we all would have.

Real Housewives Of Miami – Reunion Part 1

Andy said this was the only reunion only to begun with a tequila shot, which I thought was probably a bad idea. There was a lot of non-tequila shot for shot, like when Guerdy said no one backed her when Julia threw water at her. This prompted Alexia to point out how that’s happened to just about everyone. Julia apologized to Guerdy for the 4256th time. I loved Stephanie’s formal introduction to the franchise, where she would not apologize for loving being filthy rich, but did admit to coming off as harsh after seeing herself. They ended with a bang – pun possibly intended – when Julia blurted out that she and Adriana had slept together. Whaaat?

Random Reality Items

Yeah. No.

In case you were worried.

They brought the drama.

https://okmagazine.com/p/reality-tv-drama-exits-style-moments-2025/

👀  Last Weekend’s Watch…

28 Years Later. Netflix. No big surprise, I enjoyed the hell out of this. It was relentless from the beginning, and brought something new to the table with its Alpha zombies. Although I did find them a little reminiscent of the Abbies in Wayward Pines. Young lad Spike lives with his parents on an idyllic island – at least as idyllic as you can be in a post-apocalyptic world. Spike’s dad is taking him to the mainland to learn how to hunt those with the Rage virus (i.e. zombies) and check out what’s been going on out in the world. There are no zombies on the island, and while citizens are allowed to travel to the mainland, if you get in trouble, you’re on your own. No one is going to come looking for you. There was a bit of humor here and there, none of it seeming contrived. One thing that really stood out were the sets, from the bar on the island (seriously, I would never leave this place for the mainland) to the gorgeously designed Bone Temple. Sony Pictures CEO said, the next one (28 Years Later: The Bone Temple) is much more about man’s inhumanity to man. Isn’t that what all zombie films are ultimately about?

Cobweb. Netflix. About five minutes in, I thought, if this is an allegory about child abuse… and it kinda was, but at least less misleading than Woman in the Yard. And also more rewarding at the end. A young boy with horrific parents is hearing something in the walls and he insists on finding out what or who it is.

https://www.slashfilm.com/1978092/the-boys-actor-antony-starr-horror-movie-cobweb-netflix-charts/

You can see the trailer here.

https://www.bgr.com/1977000/the-boys-antony-starr-2023-horror-movie-cobweb-netflix-streaming-charts/

Wayward. Netflix. This limited series sucked me in immediately. Seeing Toni Collette in anything is always a treat. Even when it’s something I’m not crazy about, watching her  is like watching a master class in acting. She’s also one of those chameleon actors, like Guy Pearce, who has the ability to absorb a character to the point that you forget it’s her underneath. All I needed to know was that it was about a school for troubled children that’s not what it seems to be, and I was intrigued. The characters are diverse and multi-dimensional, it had a great sense of humor, and the plot keeps you guessing about who’s trustworthy or not. I nearly binged the whole thing, but saved the last two episodes for my next streaming sesh.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/wayward-review-netflix-conspiracy-thriller

https://www.slashfilm.com/1980246/hereditary-star-toni-collette-psychological-thriller-series-wayward-netflix/

Here’s hoping.

https://people.com/will-there-be-wayward-season-2-11821438

M3GAN 2.0. Peacock. it’s as bad as the reviews said, but I didn’t hate it. Still, I wasn’t sure if they were trying to be ironic in the stupidity of it all. M3GAN has become a caricature of herself as she comes out of retirement to confront AMELIA, a killer robot bent on destruction. The acting wasn’t bad, and I actually enjoyed the robot dance-off, but I could have done without the Freddy Krueger one-liners. You wouldn’t give your children cocaine. Why give them a Smartphone? Why indeed.

https://slate.com/culture/2025/06/m3gan-2-0-movie-megan-2-review.html

⚰️ The Ambiguously Coupled Duo…

This actually didn’t answer much of anything except they say they haven’t slept together.

https://ew.com/the-walking-dead-addressed-daryl-carol-relationship-confusion-11812991

🎃 And So It Begins…

An interesting, eclectic list. However, I’d go with the original 1977 version of The Hills Have Eyes. Michael Berryman is the best. I’d also stick with the remake of Thirteen Ghosts. The acting is great, but the house and special effects make it so worth it.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/ravenishak/best-horror-movies

🦄 Oddities Of the Animal World…

🦧 So do you think she’s coming up with a story for her husband?

https://people.com/endangered-monkey-with-orange-head-fur-born-oklahoma-city-zoo-photos-11814650

🐢 Giving the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles a run for their money.

https://people.com/rare-conjoined-turtle-twins-separated-with-surgery-hours-after-birth-11817942

🐕 I’m including this because my Golden Retriever was literally afraid of his shadow and would stare at a frisbee until it bonked him in the head. No Air Bud he. Even better, his name was Einstein. It was a false prophecy.

https://people.com/air-bud-returns-talent-search-winners-2-golden-retrievers-buddy-role-11819165

🐦‍⬛ Quotes of the Week

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.Terry Simpson

You’re going to come across people in your life who will say all the right words at all the right times. But in the end, it’s always their actions you should judge them by. It’s actions, not words, that matter. – Nicholas Sparks

The easiest way to prove them wrong is to do what they say you can’t. – Rita Moreno (Yep. I wanted a chocolate wedding cake. Everyone said, you can’t do that. I did.)

Your great strength is knowing who you are. – Oscar de la Renta

Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly. – Neil Gaiman

Life is trying things to see if they work. – Ray Bradbury

A champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall. – Serena Williams

Actions are the seeds of fate. Deeds grow into destiny. – Harry S. Truman

It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it.Abraham Lincoln

What is this place? It smells like cheap perfume and questionable life choices. – Dani Dupree (Karla Cheatham), Beyond the Gates

👻 Like Steps Of Passing Ghosts…

Until next week, stay safe; stay brushing up on your Halloween pet safety (more on that later in the month); and stay not waiting too long to ask for that in-person meeting with someone you care about.

July 3, 2025 – GH Weekdays, No Friday For You, Happy 4th, Soap Suds, Down But Not Out, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, A Farewell, Dressed For Independence, Septenary Quotes & Pie

Standard

What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Natalia walked into the christening and sat down. Carly wondered why she was there, and Sonny said he’d handle it. He asked to speak to Natalia outside, and they left. Sasha brought in Daisy.

Lucas and Marco prepared to cook dinner in Sonny’s old kitchen, but Lucas lost the recipe and admitted he was no chef. Marco said they’d have to improvise.

In his office, Curtis was about to get busy with Portia on the desk, when Jordan walked in, turned around, and left. Curtis said Portia had set that up, and Portia said she sure as hell did.

Turner asked Anna if failing to take down Sonny was a dereliction of duty or incompetence, and Anna told her again to take her gripe to internal affairs. Sonny wasn’t stupid; he was smart and strategic. Turner said, so was Anna, and wondered if Sonny was really one step ahead of Anna or if her personal allegiance was causing her to look the other way.

Natalia said Sonny was supposed to be on the plane with her, and he said she wasn’t supposed to be there. He was giving her a new life where she’d be comfortable, and he could monitor her safety. Natalia insisted he’d said he’d go with her (he actually never did) and whined about not knowing anyone. Was dumping someone in a foreign country his way of taking care of loyal people? He said she’d have a new life in Belize, but his life was in Port Charles. (Again, I will totally go if she doesn’t want to.)

Wiley asked if they were waiting for mommy, but Michael reminded him that she wasn’t coming. They were waiting for grandpa.

Brook asked if Chase knew why Natalia was there, but he said he couldn’t discuss it.

Anna said Turner’s routine was getting old and it was unnecessary. They had the same goal and Turner could use her as an ally or wreck herself on the altar of Sonny Corinthos. She wouldn’t be the first and Anna was fairly certain she wouldn’t be the last. She didn’t understand why Turner wasn’t working directly with her. Turner needed her.

Curtis said Portia had just apologized for all the lies and manipulation, then manipulated Jordan into walking in. He wondered if Portia’s seductive moment was part of the plan, but she said, no. She’d sent a message that Curtis wanted to see Jordan and knew she’d come running, but wasn’t sure when Jordan would get there. Curtis said, another lie, and Portia asked if he was mad because she lied or because his ex saw him kissing his current wife.

Lucas told Marco that he was a prolific microwaver. (Same.) His mom cooked, but Carly and Sam didn’t. They got good hair, but missed the culinary gene. He’d had no time to learn and when he was married, Brad cooked. Now he got take-out or something from the hospital cafeteria. Marco said his mom taught him to cook. It was something they loved doing together when he was young… before it all went wrong.

Natalia got more upset, and Sonny said he’d set up a beautiful home in a beautiful area. She’d have access to anything. She said, except connections – friends and family, but he said she could make friends. She cried and said she thought they were starting a life together. Kristina came out and said Father Reyes was about to start, and Sonny said he’d be there in a little bit. He told guard Steve to take Natalia to her hotel and make sure she got on the flight. Natalia said, felicitations on his granddaughter’s christening. She hoped he and his whole family got every blessing they deserved. She left with Steve, and Sonny went back inside.

Father Reyes asked what the baby’s name would be, and Sasha said, Daisy Celeste. The priest said Daisy’s name was her special identity to God and welcomed her to her family and the church. The godparents did their thing, renouncing Satan and promising to raise Daisy in the faith. Father Reyes baptized Daisy with water and made the sign of the cross with oil on her forehead. He presented Daisy Celeste, and there was applause and taking pictures.

Anna said Turner hadn’t crossed a line yet, but was teetering on the brink. Taking Anna’s officers while keeping her out of the loop wasn’t going to work. Turner needed to be careful in deciding how to proceed. Jordan walked in and apologized for interrupting, but Anna said, the acting DA was just leaving.

Curtis said he was looking at someone he didn’t know. Was it all a set up or a show? Portia said everything they’d just shared was real. They were reconnecting and Jordan needed to see that. Jordan wanted him back and needed to know it wasn’t happening. Not now, not ever.  

Jordan told Anna, sorry. It looked intense. Anna said Jordan did her a favor, putting a civil end to it. She asked if Jordan saw Curtis, and Jordan said she saw Curtis with Portia on his desk. Anna said she was so sorry, but Jordan said she didn’t blame Anna. She blamed Portia and herself. She’d played right into Portia’s hands. She thought Portia wanted her to catch them in the act. The bitch set me up.

Curtis told Portia that Jordan had been nothing but good to him. He went for a swim and they had a conversation. Portia said Curtis and Jordan had been dialed in. It was proof of what she’d been feeling for a long time. He said what she was feeling was in her head, but she said, no. Even before she confessed to him at the Nurses Ball, she noticed their private conversations. He said she’d been too busy being blackmailed by Drew and lying, and he thought her guilt was driving this. She said she felt guilty, she was hurting, and they were struggling. Jordan saw Curtis was vulnerable and was trying to exploit that. Curtis said it didn’t sound like Jordan, but it sounded like Portia.

Father Reyes gave his blessing and told everyone, go in peace. Michael invited them all to the Quartermaines and said the late Monica would love having them. Sasha suggested they get the show on the road since Daisy needed a diaper change. Carly asked Sonny what was going on with Natalia, and he said it was taken care of. Kristina asked if Jason had any idea what was going on. It seemed strange. Jason said whatever it was, was over. Today was about Daisy, Michael, and Sasha. She said, spoken like a true godfather. Daisy was lucky she had him to protect her. They all were.

On the phone, Chase told Turner that he was at All Saints Chapel. Natalia was just there at Sonny’s granddaughter’s christening. She and Sonny spoke briefly, and she left, but he didn’t know what they’d discussed. Brook saw him and asked what he just did.

As they finished dinner, Lucas said he couldn’t have pulled this off, but Marco said Lucas set a nice table. Lucas said he enjoyed the meal, the company, and the conversation, and thanked Marco for coming to his culinary rescue. Marco said Lucas saved lives and he saved dinner, and they kissed.

Natalia told Steve that she needed to pack and take a shower, but he said they needed to get to the airport. She asked if a girl couldn’t take a shower in peace, and he said he’d be outside. He left and she closed the door and cried.  

Chase said he wished Brook hadn’t listened, and she said it wasn’t Sonny’s fault Natalia showed up. Chase reminded her that they put a wall between work and their personal life, and asked her to respect that. He had to go to the station and didn’t want to fight. She said she needed to know if something was going on between Natalia and Sonny, but he said he couldn’t talk about it. He loved her. She said she loved him too, and he left.

Natalia hyperventilated and took some pills, washing them down with liquor. She put on her bathrobe, picked up a dress, and tossed it down. She took more pills and remembered Sidwell saying it was all on her for not accepting Marco for who he was. She flashed back to Sonny saying he was giving her a comfortable life in a beautiful area, but it wasn’t his life. His life was there. She recalled Marco saying, if she left, it was on her. She was no longer his client or his mother. She’d officially be nothing to him. She sent a text.

Marco and Lucas started to kiss, when Marco’s phone chimed. Lucas said, that was two in a row. Shouldn’t he check? Marco looked at his phone and said it was his mom. Lucas said it was gibberish, and Marco said she was probably drunk. Her drinking and texting weren’t a rare occurrence. When she was drunk, the guilt took over, and her texts were word salad courtesy of autocorrect. Lucas said Natalia was leaving the country. Didn’t he think the timing was odd?

Anna said if Jordan thought it was a set-up. That meant Portia was throwing down the gauntlet. What was she going to do? Portia said, nothing. Curtis wasn’t an option. She had feelings to process and was trying to walk away with some semblance of dignity. She had to. she wouldn’t be responsible for ruining Curtis’s marriage, but Portia and her games might be.

Portia said if Curtis was saying she went after a crack in his marriage to Jordan and unfairly took him away, but Curtis said that was on him. The issue between them nothing to do with Jordan. He’d believed Portia was worried about Trina and trying to find peace between them. She said that was why she came, but he said she seemed more worried about Jordan. Was everything an act? She said, nothing was an act. He’d been cold and hard to reach. He might disagree with her decision, but she wasn’t sorry. She did it to save them. He said she wasn’t saving them. She was destroying them.

Felicia asked how Carly felt about her new grandbaby, and Carly said Daisy was a surprise, but it felt like she’d always been there. She fit in. Felicia said a new grandchild to love on and spoil was a blessing, and Carly agreed. She wished her mom could have met Daisy. Felicia said Bobbie had been with them in spirit at the christening and was probably there too. She loved a good party. Jason came in and Sasha brought Daisy over to him. She asked if he wanted to hold her, and he said, sure, taking the baby. Sasha asked what he wanted Daisy to call him, and he said Jason was fine. She said he’d stuck by her and looked out for her and Daisy. She admitted she didn’t mind it as much as she thought she would. He took a lot of heat, and she felt taken care of. Daisy would feel that too. She was trying to say he was a good man. Daisy was lucky to have him in her life looking out for her and so was she.

Curtis asked what Portia’s end goal was with her lies and stunts. She wasn’t pulling them closer, but driving them further apart. She was Trina’s mother, but he still didn’t trust her. She asked if that’s all she was to him. She’d thought she was his wife, but maybe that didn’t matter because she lied. Lord knew, Jordan never did. He said Jordan lied about work and being undercover. She didn’t lie about having his child or being blackmailed by his enemy, and didn’t lie and manipulate him into doing his enemy’s bidding. Jordan was never the problem. The real problem was them.  

Jordan said she and Curtis had a complicated history and genuine affection. She didn’t want those feelings bound up in Portia. She should walk away and find peace. Anna asked if she thought it was possible, and Jordan said it depended. Portia’s instinct was to lie, and she did the opposite of what Curtis was. It was hard to know that. Anna said, right now, Jordan owed it to herself to process her feelings and find a way to move forward. What did she need?

Natalia drunk texted Marco again, when there was a knock at the door. Steve said they had to get going, and she said she was almost ready. She cried and sent another text.

Marco said it was his mom again, and Lucas it was pretty garbled. I know you’re mad. I’m… someone? Marco said she got drunk and texted him and it never made sense. Then she’d leave a voicemail in the morning apologizing. Lucas said she was leaving to start a new life. There was no guarantee she could call him again. His mom was reaching out and it might be his last chance to reach back.

At the Quartermaines, Brook phoned Chase and asked him to call back. She was worried about Sonny and Natalia. Kristina came in with a giftbag, and asked Sonny what Natalia was doing at the church. He told her not to worry about that, when her phone dinged. She said the manager at Charlie’s called in sick and she had to open up. She gave Michael the giftbag for Daisy and left.  

At Charlie’s, two masked guys came in and poured gas on everything.

Portia told Curtis that wasn’t true. The one causing a problem was Jordan. The problem was, Jordan needed to know they were married. They had a daughter, were a couple, and had a beautiful family. Curtis got a call, and Portia said don’t let her stop him from answering. She was just his wife. She’d leave him to it. Just know she’d be fighting for their marriage. What about him? She left.

Turner ran into Anna’s office and told her to put out an APB on Natalia Ramirez. She was skipping town, and it might be their best chance to take Sonny down and it began with Anna’s lead.

Lucas cleaned up and blew out the candles. There was a song part while the celebration continued at the Quartermaines. Natalia drunkenly stumbled around and looked at her phone. She slumped on the couch and let the phone fall from her hand. There was a text from Marco saying he was on his way.

Kristina went into Charlie’s and saw the puddles behind the bar. She touched her hand to the gas and smelled it, when a Molotov cocktail came through the window and everything was in flames.

Tuesday:

On the phone, as he stood at his usual vantage point on the turret, Sidwell said that he saw the job was completed. Alexis arrived with a bunch of folders and told Sidwell that they needed clearances from the harbor master for goods he was importing. Sidwell said he thought Marco handled his accounts, and Alexis said he did, but nothing got filed until she vetted it fully.

At the hospital, Isaiah said Portia had asked him to cover the ER, and Elizabeth said, good. Portia had been working too hard.

On the phone, Lucas asked if Marco caught his mom, but still driving, Marco said, not yet. He kept calling, but got voicemail and there had been no more texts. He guessed she passed out. He apologized for their night being ruined, but Lucas said, it was just interrupted. There would be other nights. Suddenly Marco said, what the hell? and had to go. Josslyn came in and asked if Lucas had a friend over, and he said, it was an amazing night until it wasn’t. Something had come up. She said she was giving Trina and Kai some privacy, and he asked about the christening. She said, Sonny was Daisy’s grandfather, so there was drama. Marco’s mom showed up at the church.

Sasha, Carly, and Cody fawned over Daisy.

Michael thanked Sonny for putting the kids to bed, when Jason said he and Sonny needed to talk. There was a knock at the door, and Molly told Michael, sorry she was late. He said, the star of the show needed a diaper change and a nap, but there were still people there. She asked if Kristina was there, but he said, she had to go open Charlie’s.

Jason told Sonny that the plane was ready, but Natalia hadn’t shown up.

Steve knocked at Natalia’s door and said they needed to get going. He heard something and jetted. Chase and another officer came around the corner and Chase knocked, saying it was the PCPD.

Kristina grabbed the fire extinguisher and tried to put the fire out.

Chase banged on the door, when Anna arrived. He said no one had seen Natalia leave and there was no noise. She said the hotel manager had given her the key, and she was going in. They found Natalia out cold on the couch, and Chase checked her pulse while the other officer called an ambulance.

Isaiah saw a picture of Lucky hanging off the side of a mountain on Elizabeth’s phone, and she said she was choosing to believe Aiden’s explanation that it was an optical illusion. Aiden was having a great time with his dad.

Sidwell insisted most of his contracts were routine and suggested Alexis didn’t trust his son. Alexis said it was standard for her and Diane to oversee new associates for six months, but Sidwell thought it was a massive waste of time. Alexis said she’d earned her reputation, and no document went out with her name on it until she was satisfied. He still believed her hypervigilance was because of Marco and said his son should be extended the same courtesy she’d want her daughter to have. She said, duly noted, and continued with the contracts.

Lucas asked if Carly or Sonny told Josslyn why Natalia was in the chapel, but she said they wouldn’t tell her and neither would Jason.

Sonny said Michael was a great father, and Michael said he had a great teacher. People said his dad was important, powerful, and busy, yet Sonny made time for him, and it made him feel special. He wanted to make sure his kids felt the same way. Sonny said Michael was special and he was proud to be his father.

Sasha thanked Molly for coming and said she knew it was hard. Molly said she couldn’t help wondering about Irene, but she couldn’t be happier for Sasha. Sasha said she wondered about Liam sometimes, when Cody joined them and confessed that he’d eaten all the little sausage thingies.

Jason got a phone call and told Sonny there was a fire at Charlie’s.

Kristina yelled for help and ran behind the bar (not the best plan), when Marco asked if anyone was there. She yelled for help again and said everything was burning. Marco came in under a blanket and asked if anybody was left, but she said it was just her. He said they wouldn’t make it out the front and they ran for the back door under the blanket.

Elizabeth said the patient had no pulse and was probably an OD. Isaiah said some medical stuff and told her that he’d take over the compression. We saw it was Natalia.

Cody asked if Michael knew what happened, but Michael said he had no idea. Carly showed Molly pictures of the christening, and Michael said the late Monica insisted on them documenting everything. Cody asked if when Jason and Sonny disappeared, they acted like things were fine, and Michael said that was the drill. Cody said he was just trying to fit in, when Molly’s phone rang. She asked if Michael was sure Kristina was at Charlie’s, and he said, why? She said her friend that worked at the PCPD said there was a three-alarm fire there, and Michael flashed back to the fire in the penthouse. Cody said he’d drive, and he and Molly left.  

Isaiah said, time of death, 9:07 pm. Did they know who she was? Elizabeth said she did.

Josslyn told Lucas that it was just about to start when Natalia showed up and Sonny was not happy to see her. Lucas asked if she seemed drunk, and Josslyn said she didn’t see Natalia, but thought her mom would have mentioned it. Was something going on with Natalia? Lucas said he didn’t know, when his phone rang. It was Elizabeth.

Kristina and Marco ran outside coughing, when Dante arrived. He hugged Kristina and asked if she was hurt. She said, no, and he asked if Marco was okay. What happened?  

At the hospital, Lucas said he wasn’t able to reach Marco, and Elizabeth said she remembered they were having dinner and thought they might be together. He said they were, but Marco left to see his mom at the MetroCourt. Where was he?  

A paramedic said Kristina and Marco had smoke inhalation and minor burns, and Kristina said, it was burning fast. Dante said all that mattered was that she was safe, and she said, thanks to Marco. Sonny and Jason arrived, and Sonny hugged Kristina. Jason asked what Marco was doing there.

Alexis said she was satisfied, and Sidwell presumed she’d be charging her hourly fee. She said, oh God yes, when Molly called. Molly said there was a fire at Charlie’s and Kristina was there. She was headed there and had tried calling Kristina, but there was no answer. Alexis said she’d be right there.

Josslyn saw someone outside and opened the door to find Jack. She asked why he was lurking, and he said it was a test to see how long it would take her to notice. She said her mom wasn’t home, but he said he came to talk to her. Vaughn told him about her plan to distract Emma, and he thought it was good. He didn’t want Emma near Dalton. He told her to make it priority number one and figure out a course of action asap. Josslyn said he could have just called her to the office. Was he hoping to run into her mom?

In the car, Molly worried about the firefighters not getting there on time. A three-alarm fire was bad. Cody said they didn’t have all the facts yet, and she worried about it being like the penthouse. She and Kristina were on track to be sisters again and she couldn’t lose her. Cody said, stop assuming the worst-case scenario.

In Natalia’s hotel room, Chase told Anna that it looked like she’d drunk a lot of alcohol, and they bagged a bottle of pills. Suicide? Anna said, possibly, or staged. Natalia had been leaving town. Chase said a guy had been seen walking away from the room and he might be involved. Anna said have the hotel give them the security footage and find him.  

Kristina said she’d be dead if not for Marco. She wasn’t supposed to work, but the manager called in sick. She was going to open up and noticed the smell of gas. The floor was wet, and she heard a crash, then everything was on fire. She tried to put it out, but it was too big and too fast. She was trapped and Marco burst in and got her out. Sonny said Marco just happened to be in the area? and Marco said, yes. He was on his way to the MetroCourt when he saw the fire. He noticed a car in the parking lot and ran in to make sure nobody was inside. He said he needed to get to his mother and asked if they could talk later, but Sonny said Marco wasn’t going anywhere.  

Sidwell said the launch was ready, but Alexis asked if he had a speedboat or a rowboat. She had to get off the island and see if Kristina was all right. He asked if she was sure Kristina was in the pub.  

Jack told Josslyn that agents compartmentalized. He’d be delighted to run into Carly, but came to talk to her. He was her superior and she didn’t get to comment on his relationships. She asked if he’d notified his superior that he was in a relationship with an agent’s mother, when Carly came in. She asked what Jack was doing there.

Lucas told Chase that he was with Natalia’s son when Marco got some garbled texts that were unreadable. He thought Natalia was drunk, so he decided to check on her. He called from the car on the way to the hotel, said something came up, and hung up quickly. He never called back. Was Chase sure Marco never showed up? Chase said they were going through the security footage, but no one remembered seeing him. Elizabeth said she hoped Natalia’s death was an accident, but Anna said the cause wouldn’t be official until there was an autopsy. Lucas said they couldn’t do an autopsy until Marco knew his mom was dead.

The EMT insisted Kristina go to the hospital, and Marco asked if he could get his phone. Molly and Cody arrived, and Molly said she was so scared Kristina was hurt. She loved Kristina so much. They hugged.  

A firefighter said the fire was totally out, and Dante asked if they had any idea what started it. The firefighter said his men were working on it, when Anna showed up. Dante told her that gas might have been used as an accelerant, and she asked if there were any casualties. He said, no. Kristina was the only one inside and she was fine thanks to Marco Rios. Alexis arrived and hugged Kristina. Sonny said Kristina would be okay, and she said, no thanks to him.

Jack said he took a chance he’d find Carly there, and she said it was good to see him. Josslyn said she remembered she had a quiz, but left her notes at the apartment. She’d probably stay there tonight. She left, and Jack asked if Carly was all right. She said, no. There was a fire at Charlie’s, the pub Sonny gave Kristina. She didn’t know if Kristina was inside, but hearing about the fire took her back to the ICU and wondering if her son would survive the night.  

Michael flashed back to another actor playing him, who was conveniently covered in fire. He got a call and told Sasha that Kristina was okay. She was inside, but had gotten out. He was about to get a drink when he remembered he’d taken a pain pill, and Sasha said she didn’t realize he was still in pain. He said he usually didn’t need a pill, but he didn’t want it to interfere with the celebration. The doctors said he had residual nerve damage, but thought he’d be pain free soon. It was nothing compared to the pain after the fire. He told her about going through debridement and said it was agony. Thank God Kristina was okay.

Dante said he thought Marco needed to go to the hospital, and Alexis asked Sonny, which of his enemies did this? They kept going after him and got his children instead. She knew he and Kristina working together was a bad idea. Death and violence were all over him like a plague he passed on to those who loved him. It had to stop. She would not bury another daughter. There were soap looks all around.

Carly told Jack she was worried about Kristina. When she heard there was a fire, she shut down and the anger and fear came rushing in like the penthouse fire was happening then. It was crazy because Michael was standing by her, but it was like she was back in the clinic in Germany. She could only touch his hand because it was excruciating if she touched anything else. All she could do was sit there and hear him moan. Jack said she’d experienced PTSD because the emotional trauma couldn’t be processed all at once and she’d been triggered. A lot of agents had it and he’d dealt with it himself. She said she couldn’t tell him what it meant that he understood. Josslyn blamed Sonny and she was right. He almost lost another child. She didn’t know what she’d do if something happened to Donna. Jack held her.  

Sasha said Michael had asked for her in the ICU, but was sedated by the time Jason found her. Did he remember what he’d wanted to tell her? He said he wanted to tell her to take care of their daughter no matter what happened him, and she did. Daisy was perfect. All his kids were safe and it was going to stay that way. She said he couldn’t know that, and he said he could. His dad was a great father, and he’d never be like him, but he promised nothing like the fire would ever happen to his kids.

Marco got to the hospital and asked Lucas, what happened? Anna said she needed to have a conversation with him about his mother, and Marco said, why? Was she there? Was she okay? He ran past everyone and into Natalia’s room. When he saw her, he put his hands to his face.

On the phone, Sidwell said his instructions were clear. Do not set the fire unless the building was empty. If Sonny Corinthos’s daughter was in the fire, there would be hell to pay.

Kristina said they didn’t know what caused it, but Alexis said she did. It was Sonny’s love for money and power that exceeded everything and everyone. They’d both lost children and knew how painful it was. She couldn’t and wouldn’t go through it again. Kristina said it was suggested she go to GH and get checked out, and asked Alexis to come with her. Cody said he’d drive, and they left, along with Molly. Sonny told Jason that they had to find out who caused the fire. Kristina wasn’t supposed to be working. Jason said, the manager called in sick, and Sonny said, talk to him. A firefighter said it looked like there was evidence of arson, which made this place a crime scene.

Wednesday:

At the Surf Lodge, Emma and Outback high-fived. Gio joined them and said Outback steals his shoes, but only the left ones. He wanted her to choose between him and the dog, but she didn’t want to choose between her two favorite strays. She also had the feeling that the real problem was him being upset about Brook and Dante being his real parents.

Tracy found Brook working in the living room. Brook said, Deception might be in serious trouble, but it might be too late to fix it.

Vaughn found Josslyn at Charlie’s and asked why she wanted to meet there. She said she heard there was a fire and came to check, but she couldn’t get herself to leave.

At the hospital, Kristina told Alexis that she was fine and would like to go home. Alexis said, she could have died.

Marco cried, and sat by Natalia’s bedside saying, no, no. It couldn’t be happening. It couldn’t end this way.

Elizabeth suggested Lucas let Marco have time with his mom, and Anna said Lucas could help them figure out what led to Natalia’s death.

Jason told Sonny that they had guys on the street who would hear whispers about the fire. Sonny said they both knew Sidwell was responsible.

Selina went to Windymere and said, finally, she and Sidwell were meeting in person. She asked if he wanted to set up a poker game, but he said he wanted to warn her. She was about to go to war with Sonny.

Gio admitted he might be upset about his parentage, and Emma said if he wanted to talk, she was there. He said he wasn’t there yet and told her that he was dropping out of PCU.

Josslyn told Vaughn that her former stepsister almost died in the fire. It was unnerving, and all because she was the daughter of Sonny Corinthos.  

Alexis asked Kristina, what happened? and Kristina said the manager called in sick, so she left to open up Charlie’s. When she walked in, she smelled gasoline and the floor was wet, but before she could check, she heard a window shatter and suddenly fire was everywhere. The fire extinguisher wasn’t enough, and she wouldn’t have gotten out alive if not for Marco.

Anna asked about Natalia’s texts, and Lucas said, they were all gibberish. Sometimes she drank and texted Marco. Marco came out, and Lucas asked if he was okay. Anna said they were sorry for his loss, and Marco said he didn’t understand what happened. Anna said she and Chase entered Natalia’s hotel room and she was unconscious. They called the paramedics immediately. Isaiah said Marco’s mother was unresponsive at the scene. There was no pulse, and the paramedics weren’t able to restart her heart. Unfortunately, when she was brought in, there was nothing they could do. Marco asked what the cause of death was, and Isaiah said it was speculation, but they suspected it was an overdose. Marco said, accidental or intentional? but Isaiah said they didn’t know. They suspected a lethal combination of tranquilizers and alcohol, but they’d know for sure when there was an official autopsy. Elizabeth said she was sorry. She and Lucas tried to call him. Marco said his phone was in the car. He was on his way to see his mother and saw the fire at Charlie’s. There was a car in the parking lot, so he ran in to make sure nobody was inside. Anna said he got Kristina out just in time. He was a hero tonight. Marco said he was able to save Kristina, but not able to save his mother.

Gio told Emma that he had a music scholarship and would be first chair violinist in the orchestra. It was a huge responsibility and honor. She said he deserved it, but he said he had no intention of playing again. He would lose his scholarship and couldn’t afford college on his lifeguard’s salary. She suggested he borrow from family, but he said he wanted nothing to do with them. She said, what about Sonny? but he said it didn’t seem right. She said, why not wait? He might feel differently in the fall. Don’t walk away from the gig just yet. He might want to play again by September.

Brook told Tracy that Natalia found something in Sonny’s supplemental investment… Tracy said, an offshore account. Sonny was laundering money and now they were complicit. Brook said, it was a clerical error, but Tracy said, it was a felony. Brook said she was sorry. It was all her fault.

Chase asked if the texts were in Marco’s phone, and Marco said they were, but his phone was in his car at Charlie’s. Anna asked if the messages were incoherent, and Marco said he thought one message was supposed to say, I’m sorry. He guessed he’d never know. He texted her that he was on his way, but he saw Charlie’s was on fire. They knew the rest. He had no idea his mother needed him so bad. Lucas said it wasn’t his fault. He thought a life was at risk and stopped to help. Marco asked how Anna ended up at the hotel, and she said the acting DA was supposed to pick up his mom. As her lawyer, Marco must have known that the DA negotiated a plea deal in exchange for evidence against Sonny. Chase said Natalia showed up at the christening for Sonny’s granddaughter. He saw them talking and alerted Turner. Natalia definitely seemed troubled.

Jason said Sidwell was mad about Sonny not selling his piers and it was payback. Did he think Kristina was a target? Sonny said it didn’t matter. Kristina almost died. Ever since Sidwell came to town, two of his children nearly died. If anything happened to Kristina, he didn’t know what he’d do.

Selina said Sidwell was misinformed. She wasn’t at war with Sonny and stayed on his good side. They had an understanding. Sidwell said that changed tonight when a firebomb was placed in Sonny’s daughter’s place of business. She said she had nothing to do with that, but he said her associates Simon and Dan doused Charlie’s with gas and lit it up with a Molotov cocktail. When Corinthos went on a hunt to find out who was responsible, he’d trace it to her. She said, in other words, he set her up, and he lifted his glass to her.

Tracy said she blamed Brook’s mother. She raised Brook to trust Sonny. Brook said she believed what Natalia said, it was an accounting error. Sonny wouldn’t do anything to hurt Deception. Tracy said they were going to use this to their advantage and not bury it.

Vaughn said, Sonny was once married to Josslyn’s mother and Donna was their child? and Josslyn said, yeah. So was her older brother Morgan. He said, Morgan died in a car bombing. He was sorry. She said there was plenty of blame to go around. Morgan died because he was Sonny’s son, and it was the same reason Michael nearly died, and the same reason Kristina nearly died. He said, not a fan? and she said her family kept getting hurt because Sonny Corinthos brought death and destruction wherever he went.

Alexis said Kristina had Marco to thank. If she had died, her father would have died too, because she would have killed him. It was no accident. Someone was sending Sonny a message and Kristina got caught in the crossfire. Molly came in with Deanna and said she was filling out administrative forms and needed Kristina’s ID. Alexis said she had a copy on her phone, and left with Deanna. Molly asked how Kristina was doing, and Kristina said she was desperate to get out, but Alexis wanted her to stay overnight. Marco saved her life. Allie always said her brother was a good guy. Molly said Marco was a hero, but Kristina was amazing too. They way she handled their mom when she went after Sonny was impressive. In the past, she would have jumped to Sonny’s defense and fought with their mom. Instead, she let Alexis say what she needed to and Molly was proud of her.  

Sonny told Jason that he and Kristina had a special connection. He thought it had to do with them being the most alike. Jason said he thought so too, and Sonny said they had the same anger, intensity, and demons. Kristina fought with her emotions like he did, and he wanted to protect her. That’s why Alexis was out of her mind with fear, and he respected that. Jason said she was safe, and Sonny said, for now. They had to find out who did this. Otherwise, his whole family was in danger.  

Selina said she’d go to Sonny and tell him the truth. He’d known her longer than Sidwell, and her words had more weight. Sidwell said, go ahead, but given Kristina’s close call, he guessed Sonny wouldn’t let her live long enough to get her explanation out. (I guess a phone call wasn’t an option?) They’d clashed in the past and she’d already crossed Sonny once. She said Sonny would see through him and guessed Sonny already had, and he said he’d point the finger at her associates. Who knew what evidence Sonny would uncover about her involvement? The best idea was for her to leave town now. She said, and walk away from her business? but he said she could return later with his blessing. Port Charles would be a better place when she returned. She said the only way she could come back was if Sonny was dead, and he said he was aware. He opened the door, and she said she guessed she had a plane to catch. Until they met again. He said, travel safely, and she left.

Chase said Natalia and Sonny spoke privately and she left. Marco said he was almost positive it wasn’t the full story. His mother was murdered by Sonny.  

Gio said he needed a clean break from his old life filled with lies, and Emma said there were good things too. Gio said they were tainted. He’d felt special performing when he was a kid. Now he knew it was a lie. The technique was still there, but without the passion and the smile, the music was hollow. There was no point in playing. His family had been stolen from him.

Deanna said Kristina had a close call, but would be fine, and Alexis said the last time she filled out these forms was for Sam. Deanna suggested Alexis read the information and she’d write it, and Alexis said that would help a lot.

Kristina told Molly that even if she was collateral damage, she didn’t feel it was her dad’s fault. Her mom was scared for her child, and she got that. Molly said, because of their daughter. She couldn’t lose Kristina. She loved Kristina so much. They joined hands and Alexis watched from the doorway.

Anna asked if Marco had proof of his accusation, but he said, wasn’t it obvious? His mother had evidence that she was about to turn over and Sonny found a way to stop her. Lucas suggested he take a minute, and Marco agreed. Anna said talking about the fire could wait. In the meantime, he had their condolences. Don’t hesitate to reach out if the thought of anything else. She and Chase left, and Marco said he almost admitted he knew his mom was breaking the deal and moving out. Lucas said Marco had been through lot, and Marco said he was glad Lucas was there. Lucas said him too, and Marco said he needed to call his father, but had no phone. Lucas said he’d deal with it and he wanted Marco to get checked out by Isaiah. Doctor’s order.  

Jason said they’d find out who did this, and Sonny said he couldn’t lose another child. He wasn’t going through what he went through with Morgan again. Jason said they’d stop them, and Sonny said they’d make them an example. It would hurt so bad, they wouldn’t think of coming for his family again. An eye for an eye, effective and fair. Jason said, Sidwell’s only known child was Marco, and he’d just saved Kristina. Sonny said he owed Marco, but protection was more important than gratitude. If Marco ended up being collateral damage, so be it.

Elizabeth found Sidwell’s number for Lucas, and Lucas made the call. He said he was calling on Marco’s behalf. His son was fine, but there was something Sidwell should know. Marco’s mother passed away tonight.

Chase asked if Anna thought Marco was right and Sonny killed Natalia. She said they couldn’t rule it out. Her phone chimed and she said it was the security footage. It was useful, but not good news for Sonny.

Tracy said they needed to come clean, and Brook asked, why? Tracy said if they were honest and declared their innocence, they’d probably just get a slap on the wrist. If they helped nail Sonny, they’d be rid of him, and it was a win-win. Brook said Sonny was the only family member Gio was talking to, and Tracy said, all the more reason, but Brook said if they took Sonny away from Gio, her son would hate her even more. Tracy said, fine. She’d do it all by herself, when Chase walked in. Tracy said the PCPD had perfect timing for once.  

Emma asked Gio to promise not to drop out of PCU, and he promised he’d make no decisions for now. She said they had to figure out what else he was passionate about. He showed some interest in exposing Professor Dalton’s animal testing. He asked how they start Dalton’s take down, and she said she couldn’t prove he was testing on animals yet because she couldn’t get into the lab. They might have to do something drastic. Gio asked if that was her way of saying illegal.

Vaughn told Josslyn that he’d never defend Sonny, but watching your loved ones pay for your crimes must take a toll. Josslyn said she tried to let go of her anger, but too many people she loved were getting hurt. She had no sympathy. She’d never told anyone this or even said it out loud, but that was one reason why she joined the WSB. He said he thought it was because of Dex, and she said that was part of it, but it wasn’t just about an idealistic version of justice. It was more personal and a lot less altruistic. He asked if she wanted to get high enough in the agency to take down Sonny, and she said, exactly.

Marco told Lucas that Isaiah gave him the all-clear, when Sidwell arrived. Sidwell hugged Marco and said Lucas told him about Natalia. He was so sorry. Marco thanked him, and Sidwell said he had to make sure Marco was okay. He thanked Lucas for calling, and Lucas left to give them time to talk. Marco said it was surreal. He knew she was gone. He’d seen her body, but his brain couldn’t process it. Sidwell said, take a breath, and Marco said he had to call Allison, but didn’t know how to break the news. Sidwell told him not to worry about it now, and Marco said there was so much he wished was different. They hugged, and Sidwell said he knew.  

Anna went to Sonny’s place and he said he couldn’t answer questions about the fire right now, but she said she was there for a different reason. Natalia Rameriz was dead.  

Tracy said she had some interesting news too, and Chase said he was sorry to inform them that Natalia Rameriz was dead. It may or may not be a drug related OD or foul play. Anna was questioning Sonny. Brook asked if he was suspect, and Chase said they were exploring possibilities. Tracy said it wasn’t okay for Sonny to be anywhere near Gio. He was taking too many people, and he wasn’t taking Gio too.

Emma asked if Gio thought Sonny could give them pointers, but he said, definitely not. He may not be taking Sonny’s money or advice in this particular situation, but he was glad to have him. Sonny was the only one he could trust right now.

Kristina asked how long Alexis had been there, and Alexis said, not that long, but long enough to see them together. It warmed her heart. She wished Sam was with them too. She couldn’t lose another daughter. That meant they were both contractually obligated to outlive her. They needed each other and couldn’t let anything separate them. They all agreed and had a group hug.

Lucas asked Elizabeth’s opinion. OD or murder? She said there were no obvious signs of violence, but the autopsy would tell them more. Did he think Sonny had her killed? He said, all they knew was that Natalia was dead, and Kristina almost died. To him, that was the start of a mob war that had Marco’s family on one side and his on the other.  

Marco said he felt like it was his fault, and Sidwell asked, how? Marco said his mom was texting him and he could tell she was drunk. It wasn’t the first time. Sidwell said there was no way he could have known, but Marco said maybe if he’d gotten there in time, if he hadn’t stopped to help with the fire. Sidwell said, what fire? and Marco said, at Charlie’s Pub. He stopped and saved Kristina Corinthos Davis. Sidwell said Marco could have died, and Marco said it was crazy how things played out. Thanks to him Sonny’s daughter is alive and thanks to Sonny, his mother was dead. Sidwell asked how this had anything to do with Sonny.

Sonny invited Anna in and said he was sorry to hear it. Why did she come in person? He wasn’t close to Natalia. Anna said they’d had an intense conversation at the christening, and he said Natalia was congratulating him. She asked if he could explain why his bodyguard was having a conversation with Natalia at the hotel, and he asked if he should call Diane. She said, it depended. Did he have something to hide? Another of his guards was seen entering and exiting her room. He was in the corridor when the police arrived and made himself scarce. That made her think he and Natalia had a close association. He asked what she was getting at, and she said Natalia had evidence the DA’s office was going to use against him and was conveniently dead of alcohol and tranquilizers. They were waiting for the autopsy, but in the meantime, he was a person of interest, and she had to take him in for questioning. 

Josslyn said she just gave Vaughn the ammunition he needed to get rid of her. She had an unhealthy personal vendetta which made her unfit for the job. She was sure she’d be out tomorrow morning. She started to leave, but he grabbed her arm and said he’d told her that lofty ideals weren’t a reason. Those agents got jaded, but a concrete goal to take Sonny down would get her through tough times. And there were going to be tough times. She asked, what was his goal? and he said maybe he’d tell her sometime. Once he got to know her better. He kissed her.

Thursday:

At the pool, Willow told Gio that she saw what happened at the Nurses Ball. There was nothing more painful than being betrayed by someone who was supposed to love you.

As they sat in chaise lounges, Trina told Kai that it wasn’t a bad way to spend a holiday afternoon. She knew the perfect spot to watch the fireworks.

Brook said Maxie should be there, and Tracy asked if she was going to tell Maxie that Sonny’s blood money would bring down Deception. She wanted to do her best to save Gio.

Michael opened the door to TempMaxie (see below), who said she was there for an emergency Deception meeting, but as unofficial godmother, she wanted a peek of Daisy. He said he couldn’t thank her enough for making the christening happen. It gave him hope for his family’s future.

Danny and Rocco were at the Surf Lodge, and Emma approached their table. She asked what was so important she had to detour from the pool on a national holiday, and Rocco asked what she knew about Britt Westbourne.

Laura went to see Lulu, who said she was reporting on the fire for the Llanview Banner. Those who were pro Measure C said the fire was proof of mob violence escalating and that Laura was ignoring it because of her connection to Sonny. Laura said there was a right way and a wrong way to investigate, and she had to do it the right way. She was the one who’d called for Measure C. Lulu said she hated to say it, but maybe it was time for Laura to cut Sonny loose, but Laura asked what they would accomplish except tearing the family apart.

In the PCPD interrogation room, Sonny told Turner that he wasn’t saying a word unless his attorney was there. Turner said that’s why she was there.

On the phone, Jason said, what did Diane mean, he wasn’t allowed to see his attorney?… Keep him posted. Dante arrived and said the PCPD was holding Sonny and wouldn’t let him talk to Diane. He had an update on the fire at Charlie’s. Selina was a suspect.

Gio told Willow, for what it was worth (🍷), he was sorry, and she said, when your life was turned upside down, you found out who you could trust. He said, and who you can’t, and she said anyone who helped you through hard times was someone you could always count on.

Michael said Kristina was at GH, and Maxie asked if she was okay. He said she had a cough, but was doing all right, and she said, it could have been worse. He said that’s why he was focused on the good, like how Wiley and Amelia were crazy about their baby sister. He was trying to stick to routine, hoping it made things more stable until the visitation hearing.

Willow told Trina and Kai that she was sorry to interrupt, and Kai said he thought she’d be celebrating with Drew in DC. She said Drew was too busy working, so she thought she’d keep it lowkey. Maybe next year. Drew was impressed with Kai’s work and appreciated him going the extra mile.

Brook said they had no reason to think Gio was a target, but Tracy said it was a naïve thing to say. Brook said it wasn’t like he lived with Sonny. They barely spent time together. Tracy said when gangsters went to war, they didn’t go after each other, but after their enemy’s loved ones. They could only try their best to protect Gio, but he wouldn’t be safe until Sonny was done with once and for all.

Turner said she could hold Sonny for 24 hours, and Sonny said she couldn’t keep him from seeing his attorney. In the meantime, he wasn’t saying anything. Diane was one of the few people he didn’t mind waiting for. Turner said, if his attorney was withheld, anything he told her was inadmissible. It was his best opportunity to tell her what happened. He asked why he should take her word on this, and she asked why he was acting like the injured party when Natalia was the one who was dead.

Dante told Jason that they’d ID’d two suspects as Selina’s guys and there was a warrant out for them. Selina had booked a flight to Singapore and the needed to find out if she got on it. Jason asked, why come to him? and Dante asked if they should keep looking for Selina’s guys or were they buried in the woods.

Emma wondered why Rocco was asking about The Britch, The Wicked Witch of Westbourne, and Rocco said he presumed she didn’t like Britt. She said she was little and for a while her dad dated Britt. Eventually, he came to his senses and dumped her as. Britt was so pathetic and desperate, she got pregnant… She got it now.  

Maxie asked why they were working on a holiday, and Brook said she had bad news. Maxie said, hit me, and Brook said, it seemed Sonny’s second investment had been made with dirty money. Maxie said Sonny wasn’t sloppy like that and Brook showed her the financials. Maxie asked how she found out, and Brook said Natalia told her. Maxie said Natalia would have to walk her through it, but Brook said she couldn’t. Natalia died last night. Maxie said, Brook didn’t think… but Brook said, never. Maxie said they’d have to go to the police and hand over the records, and Brook said, what about Spinelli? Spinelli adored Sonny. Would he be okay? Maxie said he’d have to be. Her family needed Deception, and she’d do everything she could to save the company.  

Lulu said, Laura just had to publicly disavow Sonny. She didn’t have to do it for real. Laura said, first of all, Ezra Boyle had a tracking device on her and would be waiting with cameras to prove to the world she was a liar. Secondly, Sonny was part of the family. What kind of example would she set for her grandchildren, teaching them how to lie to save their hide? She was also thinking about Rocco. She’d never want him to have to choose between his grandmother or grandfather. Lulu said she’d talk to him, and he’d understand, but Laura said, would he? She wasn’t sacrificing her family or principles or compromising her own morals. She couldn’t help feeling there was more to this.

Emma said she had to go, and Rocco said Britt was pregnant with him. He was the baby she carried. Emma said she was just a kid. He should talk to his mom and dad. Their memories would be better than hers. Danny thanked her for talking to them, and she said she totally got it. Happy 4th. She started to leave, but came back and said there had to be more she never knew about. She thought Rocco owed it to himself to find out the truth.

Willow said Kai stepped in and got Drew out of the disaster at the press conference, but Kai said it was no big deal. Willow said Drew told her it was the only silver lining, and Kai said he just did his job. Willow said he made an impression on Drew, who thought he had a great future in politics. Willow left and Trina said they needed to talk, but Kai said he knew what she was going to say. Trina suggested even if he knew what a woman was going to say, let her say it. (Truth!) All the Quartermaines were crazy, and they would make him crazy too. Tracy walked in and Gio turned away. Trina said, case in point.

Tracy said she didn’t know if Gio wanted to talk to her. He wasn’t answering her texts. He said, make it short, and she said she thought his life was in danger.

Kai said Trina didn’t need to worry. He was only interested in politics. Maybe not forever, but after football, it was good to be interested in something. Trina said he needed to understand and accept that the Quartermaines were always battling about something. He had to remember not to get stuck in the middle. Michael came into the pool area with Wiley and saw Willow. He steered Wiley over to his swim instructor.

Lulu said she didn’t want Laura to betray her principles, but she wanted Laura to beat Boyle. Laura said she wanted that too, and Lulu said she was still ahead in the polls, but she was falling behind. Boyle was corrupt and so unqualified, she couldn’t hand the city to someone like him. If she wanted to save Port Charles, she needed to stay where she was – in the mayor’s office. How far was she willing to go to make that happen?

Turner told Sonny that Natalia was facing five years for a DWI, and she offered Natalia a lifeline. If she turned over evidence against Sonny to her office, the charges would be dismissed. Natalia agreed, so imagine her surprise when Natalia wound up dead, with two of Sonny’s men coming and going… Sonny said all this had nothing to do with him. Turner hauled Natalia in on a trumped-up charge and persuaded Natalia to give her information that might incriminate him. Might. He thought Turner believed she was the one who got Natalia killed.

Jason said he had no idea about Selina’s men. He didn’t think Selina would risk crossing Sonny and wouldn’t target Kristina. Dante said, if not Selina, who set it up? but Jason said Dante already knew the answer. Dante said, Sidwell.  

Tracy told Gio about Charlie’s and said they suspected arson. His Aunt Kristina was trapped and had minor injuries, unlike his Uncle Michael, who had severe injuries from a previous fire. The reason for both was Sonny Corinthos.

Maxie said they’d all agreed to let Sonny invest, except Tracy, and Brook said, this time, Tracy was right. She’d love to turn the evidence in, but Gio would hate her more than he did already. Was there any way they could wait for a subpoena? Maxie said, no. They needed to get ahead of it. She picked up a folder, and Brook said it was the wrong file, but Maxie opened it, seeing Britt’s picture. She asked what it was and why Brook had it, and Brook said it was supposed to be her revenge against Lulu.

Trina told Kai that even if her mother hadn’t had to work, they’d have canceled the cookout. Things were tense between her parents.

Michael told Willow that Wiley hadn’t seen her yet and to please leave before he did. She said the visitation hearing was August 1st. She’d see Wiley then. He said, until then, he was asking her not to make it harder than it had to be.  

Tracy told Gio that Sonny put everyone in danger around him. The people after Sonny knew he was Gio’s grandfather, and she had no intention of losing him. Gio said he wasn’t hers to lose, and she said, like it or not, he was a Quartermaine. He said, they might be related, but she didn’t own him and never would. Emma joined them and suggested they order some iced tea and cool down.

Brook said they should call their lawyer and turn the financials into the DA’s office, but Maxie said it could wait. What did she mean by revenge? Brook asked if she remembered when Lulu refused to apologize, and Maxie said, vividly. Brook said she recalled Lulu bragging that she’d never lie to her child, then remembered a story about Britt stealing an embryo and passing it off as her own. Rocco would want to know the truth and she needed proof. Maxie asked if she was going to show Rocco the file.

Rocco said the only reason Britt got pregnant was to trap Emma’s dad, but Danny said Emma told them there was more to the story than that. His mom was his mom, period. However he got here, Danny was glad he did and so was everybody else… almost. Rocco thanked Danny and said he was glad Danny told him the truth when no one else did. If Danny hadn’t found the file, he thought his parents would have never told him.

Turner said Natalia’s blood alcohol level was above the limit and the charge was real, as well as the consequences, and Sonny said she mentioned a five-year consequence. Did she tell Natalia that it was a possibility, or did she make it sound like a done deal without Natalia having an attorney present? Turner said she offered Natalia a great deal. She either killed herself or Sonny killed her. He was busy at his granddaughter’s christening, but his associates dropped her off at her room at the MetroCourt. Sonny said he hired nice guys, and she said, whether they forced Natalia to ingest huge amounts of tranquilizers and alcohol or she did herself, they both had a hand in her death.  

Brook told Maxie that she’d never show Rocco the file, but since Lulu would never keep a secret from him, she was sure he knew. Maxie asked when Lulu was supposed to tell him. When she was in a coma? Brook said she got why Lulu didn’t tell Rocco that Britt was her surrogate when Rocco was younger, but he was too old to be in the dark now. Maxie said Lulu was the one Brook was mad at, but it would hurt Rocco, and Brook said that’s why she didn’t tell him.

Laura asked if Lulu was saying she had to sacrifice her family and principles to beat Boyle, and Lulu said, if she wanted to win, something had to change. Laura said she believed in being straightforward with voters, but Lulu said, they read headlines, not articles. Laura said, Sonny told her this in confidence and it had to stay between them, and Lulu said it was off the record. Laura said Sonny told her that Sidwell was going to bring violence to Port Charles. Then the fire happened. It was a scare tactic, and she didn’t scare. Lulu said, it scared the public. Boyle was in Sidwell’s pocket. If he won, Laura was essentially handing the keys to the city to Sidwell. Laura said there was more than one thing at play. If she disavowed Sonny, she was playing into their hands. She had to be very smart with her next move. If she wasn’t careful, Port Charles could go from a bad situation to something much worse, like that. She snapped her fingers.

Dante told Jason that he read Sonny was a magnet for violence. What better way to prove it? Jason said, taking down Sidwell would be easier If Natalia hadn’t been found dead with Sonny’s guard in the hallway. Dante said he believed Sonny knew Natalia had evidence incriminating him, but he wasn’t allowed near the case, and Jason said it was probably for the best.

Sonny told Turner that Natalia was a strong person. In the end, we never know what drives a person to do what they did. Turner said he still blamed her, but he said she was doing her job. How Natalia dealt with it was on her, not Turner. Turner said, no more questions, and left.

Trina told Kai that she was worried about her parents. She wanted them to stay together. He said there was nothing wrong with wanting lasting love.

Tracy asked Emma to leave them alone, but Gio said he’d like her to stay. Or they could both leave. It was up to Tracy. Emma said Gio was going to tell her later anyway, and Tracy told Gio that his grandfather was a dangerous man. Gio said, not to him, but Tracy said, especially to him. Sonny’s family were targets and she didn’t want him to be the next victim. If he didn’t want to live in the main house, he could live in the gatehouse, or they could move Trina and Josslyn in there and he could have the apartment. Gio said he liked where he was living and wasn’t moving back. They were not family. Tracy said she understood that people in the house had hurt him, but his feelings weren’t worth his life. Emma said her grandmother was literally the Police Commissioner, and Tracy said, a lot of good she’d done to curb crime in Port Charles. She was Gio’s best bet. Gio said he’d consider it if it was really about his safety, but it was about him rejecting his grandfather. He wasn’t going to do it.

Wiley saw Willow and ran to her. She hugged him and said she missed him so much. He did great in the pool. Michael said it was time to go, and Wiley asked why they couldn’t stay and swim with mom. Willow told him that the judge said they had to wait a while longer before they could spend time together, and Wiley said he hated the judge. He missed her. Willow said, hopefully, the judge would change her mind soon, and Michael said it was time to go. Wiley and Willow hugged, and she told him to be a good boy and go with daddy. She loved him. Wiley said he loved her too, and left with Michael.   

Kai told Trina that they all wanted to believe making a commitment meant something and no matter what, they didn’t give up on each other. Trina said, it was a risk. When you trusted someone, they could disappoint you. He said, maybe if it was worth it, so was the risk. Trina was worth it. Trina said she never thought she’d feel like this again. He was worth it too.

Wiley told Michael that he didn’t want to wait for the judge. He wanted his mom to come home and be with him now. Michael said he knew, and hugged him.

Tracy said Gio was an adult, and she couldn’t force him, and Gio said, then they were done. Tracy said she had a request. After work, he should go by Charlie’s and see what was left. Then go to the hospital to visit his Aunt Kristina. Gio said he knew what she was doing, and she said, after that, she wanted him to go to the cemetery and visit his Uncle Morgan’s gravesite. He was 23 years old, a year older than Gio. He was killed in a car bomb because of his father. (Well, really Julian.)

Laura went to the PCPD and said she needed to see Sonny. The judgmental desk sergeant said, of course (🍷). He was in the interrogation room, and she could go in. Sonny asked if she was sure she wanted to be seen with him, and she said this couldn’t wait. He asked what was wrong, and she said he warned her that violence was coming. The thing was, a warning without details didn’t help much. She needed to know what Sonny knew.  

Jason said he and Dante lived in the same house, the house he swore he’d never move back to. Their kids were like brothers. Dante said, who would have thought that? and Jason said he didn’t want trouble with Dante and didn’t want to take any action involving him. Dante said he wished he believed Sonny wasn’t going to try and retaliate, but unfortunately, he knew better. He left, and Jason made a call. He asked if there were eyes on him yet… No. Let him know when they wanted to move.  

Brook told Maxie that she was going to set it up so Rocco accidently found the file, but he’d been through enough. Lulu had it coming, not Rocco. Maxie said she knew Lulu had hurt her, and intended or not – Brook said, it totally was – It wouldn’t solve anything. Brook said she could get back at Lulu for what Lulu did to her and Gio, but she chose not to. She was better than Lulu.  

Rocco went home, and Lulu said she thought he was working on something. He said she needed to tell him about Britt Westbourne.

On Monday, Rocco confronts Lulu about Britt giving birth to him; Josslyn tells Vaughn, this isn’t working. We’re done; Sidwell tells Anna if she’s looking for answers, look to him; Sonny tells Laura there may be a way to contain the damage.

🫔 No Enchilada This Week…

There’s no new GH tomorrow because…

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Coming, albeit temporarily.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/kirsten-storms-temporarily-replaced-on-general-hospital-nicole-paggi-steps-in-as-maxie/

And going.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/eva-larue-exits-general-hospital-as-natalia-it-was-just-an-awesome-experience-excl/

She was really excellent in her final scene.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/eva-larue-on-natalias-death-on-general-hospital-ive-never-been-killed-before-excl/

🪟 Full disclosure, everything is a little shorter this week because not only did I suddenly realize the last GH would be on Thursday, but I also ended up at the doctor with no good, very bad allergies. No hot dog cookout for me, but that’s okay, there’s always streaming to catch up on.

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

Bosun Caio claimed to be adjusting to Captain Kerry. I think he meant adjusting to actual work, since that seemed to baffle him.

Caio, Caio.

Next Gen NYC

Georgia planned an event with Brooks’ mom Meredith (Real Housewives of Salt Lake City) which was an interesting pairing. Charlie continued to be a d-bag, which was no surprise to anyone, as well as Brooks’ dad being weirdly intrusive.

The Valley

Jesse finally proposed to Kristen in Maui and it made almost everyone cry.

Real Housewives Of Miami

Adriana hosted a baby shower for Julia and Martina. Lisa tried to guest, but became overwhelmed, still grieving her father. New Housewife Stephanie was introduced and we found out her goal in life was to become filthy rich – and she succeeded. Mazel! She gave one of the best quotes of the night: What kind of welcome is this? I was just asked to have a threesome. Where’s the food? Needless to say, there was also a bunch of fighting, and in her interview, Kiki also gave quote: Who fight at a baby shower? We need God. We need help. I’d say that covers it.

Random Reality Items

Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

The Runway returns.

https://ew.com/project-runway-season-21-trailer-contestant-clashes-nina-garcia-attitude-11764431

Scheana reveals all. I totally buy she didn’t know he was married. I doubt she could lie her way out of a paper bag or keep a secret.

https://ew.com/scheana-shay-opens-up-about-eddie-cibrian-affair-in-memoir-excerpt-11764114

I still miss Metul.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

I mostly caught up on series since I actually went out in the real world and interacted with real people last weekend.

Trainwreck: Poop Cruise. Netflix. This one made me want to never go on a cruise. No air conditioning, no lights, no food, no more booze for you, no toilets, and I will never look at a red bag the same way again. Or lasagna. And if you should decide to brave the high seas, make sure you read that contract thoroughly.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1419133/carnivals-poop-cruise-cruise-ship-nightmare-timeline

Squid Game. Netflix. Since it’s still fresh, no spoilers, but IMO, the ending probably wasn’t what anyone hoped for. That being said, the final leg of the series was still spectacular and the VIPs super creepy. I’d love to see those cut scenes.

https://deadline.com/2025/07/squid-game-season-3-premiere-viewership-netflix-1236446846/

Behind the scenes.

https://ew.com/squid-game-season-3-jump-rope-vips-cut-exclusive-11765916

What might have been.

https://www.slashfilm.com/1900202/squid-game-season-3-gi-hun-alternate-ending/

The Gilded Age. HBO/Max. Basically Downton Abbey set in NYC, this show is worth watching for the costumes and sets alone. My only complaint is that it’s being doled out like methadone, one episode at a time. Yeah, I’m spoiled. Speaking of which, some mild spoilers.

https://ew.com/the-gilded-age-review-season-3-11752361

The real deal.

https://www.indiewire.com/features/commentary/the-gilded-age-season-3-fact-vs-fiction-1235135953/

🐍 Adios, Sidewinder…

I was sad to hear this. He’s the reason hearing Stuck in the Middle With You has a whole new connotation now.

https://ew.com/michael-madsen-dead-reservoir-dogs-and-kill-bill-actor-was-67-11766378

🐾 Red, White, and Pet…

Dress them up, but please don’t take them out.

https://cheezburger.com/6118661/16-super-cute-animals-all-dressed-up-to-celebrate-4th-of-july

🐝 Quotes of the Week

Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music. – Jimi Hendrix

You are not called to be a canary in a cage. You are called to be an eagle, and to fly sun to sun, over continents. – Henry Ward Beecher

To be nobody but yourself — in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else — means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. – e. e. cummings

We never know when our last day on earth will be. So, love with full sincerity, believe with true faith, and hope with all of your might. Better to have lived in truth and discovered life, than to have lived half-heartedly and died long before you ever ceased breathing. – Cristina Marrero

No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself. – Virginia Woolf

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear. – Mark Twain

Sometimes what’s right for the hole isn’t right for the soul. – Marisol Patton, Real Housewives of Miami

🦅 Waiting For the Chirp, Chirp, Chirp…

Until next week, stay safe; stay following pet safety guidelines for the 4th of July; and stay not leaving folders meant for revenge lying around.

June 27, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Daisy’s Christening Day, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Dead Coming Up, New Squid, Bite Me, Above & Beyond, Octrain Of Quotes & Banner

Standard

What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Carly talked to Michael in the MetroCourt Garden about Daisy’s christening, but he wasn’t paying attention. She asked what was going on, and he said welcoming a new family member felt cruel to Willow.

Nina said Willow had just gotten divorced, but Willow said she’d just lost her kids. Marrying Drew would help her get them back.

In his office, Martin told Drew that he’d alerted the media. Tracy had caved and they had her where they wanted her.

Brook found Tracy in the solarium and told her that there was so much she wanted to say to Gio, but she was giving him space. Tracy said Gio would come to her when he was ready. She wanted to run something by Brook, and Brook asked if she was hiding a body. Tracy said, not yet. She’d received an offer from Drew and had agreed to his terms. She needed to decide if she should go through with it.

Kai went to the gallery and told Trina that he’d taken Drew up on his offer and accepted the internship.

Portia sat down in the locker room and Isaiah came out in a towel.

Curtis came out of pool, and Jordan said she was shocked to find him there in the middle of the day. How would Aurora survive without him chained to his desk? He said, through the magic of cellphones. What was the point in working in a building that had a rooftop pool if he didn’t take advantage of it once in a while?

Carly said it was up to Michael and Sasha, but his beautiful baby girl was something to celebrate, and he shouldn’t feel guilty about the christening. He’d fought for his parental rights and the judge decided the children were better off with him full time. She was relieved. He said he was too, but was having a hard time getting past Willow falling apart in court. Carly said they’d been in love a long time and that didn’t go away overnight, but he said it wasn’t just that. Willow loved the kids and was still their mother, and he wanted her to be when she was ready and healthy. The real problem was Drew.

Willow said she and Michael had gotten married when they wanted to fight Nelle, and Nina said, so it was just a legal tactic, but Willow said this was different. She and Michael weren’t in love the first time they got married. She and Drew were in love and intended to stay married. They were telling the truth. Nina said, they knew that, but the judge wouldn’t.

Jordan told Curtis that the job with Sidwell gave her a bump in salary, so she could afford something bigger. Plus, to maintain her cover, she had to commit to the part. Anyone in her position would upgrade their living situation.

Isaiah told Portia that he was sorry. He didn’t realize anyone was in here. She said she needed a minute after pulling a 15-hour shift. She was trying to work up the energy and wherewithal to go home and couldn’t find it.

Trina said she thought was turning down the move to DC, and Kai said he did turn it down. He didn’t want to leave Port Charles or her, but Drew said the position had flexibility and Drew would make it work for him. Drew was letting him work in Port Charles. He might go to DC one in a while, but he definitely wasn’t moving there. Trina said she was happy he was staying, and he said him too. He asked if she was okay about him taking the internship. He wanted her to be honest. She said she didn’t trust Drew and thought working for him would be Kai’s biggest mistake.

Drew told Martin that this was the second best thing that happened to him all day, and Martin wondered what could possibly be better. Drew said Willow agreed to marry him, and Martin said he’d offer congratulations, but he and matrimony were no longer speaking. It was a smart strategy for the custody fight. Drew said what was different was that he loved Willow and looked forward to her sharing his last name – Quartermaine.

Tracy told Brook about the press conference and said if she dropped the cease and desist preventing Drew from using the name, he would refuse to cooperate with the authorities and the ketamine charges would go away. Brook asked what the problem was, and Tracy said, her pride. It was telling her to let this ridiculous case go forward. Force them to prove it. Brook said, could they? and Tracy said, of course (🍷) not. She didn’t drug Drew. Brook said, normally she’d tell Tracy to fight to the end, but it was a matter of public record that she’d framed Alexis. She could lose even though she didn’t do it. Drew was a complete sleaze, and he was offering her an offramp. She may just need to swallow her pride and take it.

Isaiah said Portia was Co-Chief of Staff. Why was she working a long shift? She said someone had to cover for Dr. Park in the ER and she volunteered. He said he apologized if he was overstepping, but was she possibly taking on too much? She said she was actively avoiding going home, and he said if things were tough there and at home, she needed a distraction and to not think of either.

Curtis said Jordan was good at making a believable cover, and she said there were so many life-or-death situations where he had her back and helped her. He said he knew she had his back, and they reminisced about a drug operation where they sat in his busted-up car in the August heat with no air conditioning. Jordan said, if only his employees knew their polished CEO once sat in a sweatbox, and Curtis said he remembered the chase. Then the look on his face when he realized he’d been played. Jordan said, that almost made it worth it.

Nina said if Willow married Drew, it would look like they were working the system. The judge saw how devastated Willow was. She’d think they only married to change that. Willow said they wouldn’t be, and Nina said, they knew that, but had to make sure no decisions seemed irresponsible or reckless. Willow said Martin had advised them to get married. He’d said it was a good strategy. Nina said, it might be, but Willow didn’t have to do it right away.

Michael told Carly that he and Willow had no chance to solve their problems. If Drew had backed off, who knew what could have happened? Carly said, Drew was family. They were close and he trusted Drew. Then Drew betrayed him in the worst possible way. Michael said, then Drew played mind games with his son, making Wiley think he didn’t want him. It was despicable. What kind of man did that? She said, someone with no moral compass. At least for now, Willow was blind to it. Michael said that was going to change.

Kai asked if Trina’s parents couldn’t keep their grudge with Drew between them, and she said they happened to be people she loved and who mattered to her. He said he got they had a bad experience, but Drew had been nothing but good to him, and she said she he was, but she had to question Drew’s motives. Kai asked if it wasn’t possible Drew saw something in him. She had. It was an amazing opportunity to explore politics on a national level without leaving Port Charles. She said she didn’t know he was interested in politics, and he said all he’d thought about was football. Now his future was wide open. It intrigued him. He liked helping people and serving the community. He wanted to see where it went. Maybe he’d pursue it long term or maybe not, but he did know he was hoping that working with someone she didn’t like wouldn’t come between them.

Brook asked if Tracy was that worried about Drew calling himself a Quartermaine, and Tracy said it did. The name meant something, and he didn’t deserve the name or the respect that went with it. Brook said Drew would never get what he really wanted – their acceptance. He’d never actually be one of them. Monica wouldn’t even let him into the house. If he needed a name change to drop the charges, give it to him. Tracy said she’d face the humiliation that came with the deal she made with the devil, but Brook said she wouldn’t be doing it alone, and took Tracy’s hand.

Isaiah said Portia would be no good to her patients if she ran herself into the ground. If she wasn’t going to get sleep, at least have some fun. Portia said she didn’t remember what fun was like, and Isaiah said they’d have to change that. It was a beautiful day, and they were going to go have fun.

Carly said Michael was legally able to get the kids away from Drew, and he said if Willow had any chance of being in their lives, Drew had to be taken out of the equation. Carly said she’d even teamed up with Nina, but nothing would shake Drew’s hold on Willow, but he said that was before she lost her kids. She painted Drew as her hero, but he was the real reason she’d lost her children. If she was forced to see that, maybe it would finally be enough for her to walk away for good.

Nina said it was fine if Willow and Drew wanted to get married, but they had to convince the judge it was a real marriage, not just a legal strategy. There should be no rush. No city hall. No Vegas. An actual wedding that was planned. Willow said she’d have to wait longer to see her kids, but Nina said there had been no visitation hearing yet. Willow said if they got married by the time the hearing was scheduled, it would improve her chances, but Nina said rash decision making wasn’t going to help her get her kids back.

Jordan said, afterward, she and Curtis had sat on the roof of his car, and he said they celebrated finally nailing Hoffman. She said the breeze from the water cooled them off. She remembers it being the best feeling ever. He said, because it was.

Kai said he appreciated that Trina was worried, but he was making a choice based on his experiences and could handle himself. He didn’t have to like someone to learn from them. Trina said, but he liked Drew, and he said he did. Maybe Drew would give him a reason not to, but that was a lesson he had to learn for himself. It was an amazing opportunity, and he was going to take it. His phone dinged and he said he had to go to a press conference for Drew. He’d call her later. As he left, she called him back and kissed him. She said she didn’t have to agree with him to be on his side. He had this. He thanked her and kissed her.

Brook met Chase at the press conference, and Tracy said she appreciated the support, but Brook didn’t have to notify the family to witness her public humiliation. Brook said she was Tracy’s moral support and Chase was hers. Chase said he was here support Tracy too, and Tracy said she’d been through worse, when Martin came in.

Curtis said, it was a long time ago, and Jordan said things were a lot different. He said he was proud of them. They’d come a long way. She said she just got a glimpse of the guy she used to know, when Portia came in with Isaiah. Curtis’s phone rang, and he said it was Trina. Trina asked if he could come by the gallery.

Portia told Isaiah that her workaholic husband made time to spend at the pool with Jordan, and he said maybe they had the same idea they did. Portia said they weren’t co-workers and didn’t need to decompress. They used to be married. Did he think they’re behavior was appropriate? He said he didn’t think he was the person to ask. He wasn’t impartial. He and Jordan used to date.

Willow said getting married could be the only way to get her kids back, and Nina asked if Drew was pushing her, but she said, not at all. Nina suggested she tell Drew that she wanted more time to plan. As her mother, she’d love to give Willow the wedding she’d dreamed of. They could plan it together. Willow said she’d already told Drew that she’d marry him, but she’d think about the rest of what Nina said. She had to go. Nina told her to call if she needed to talk, and Willow left.

Carly says she wants Drew out of Willow’s life almost as much as Michael does, but she may never leave Drew. Was he willing to keep the children out of her life for good if that was the case? He said Drew wouldn’t be part of Wiley and Amelia’s life. It was non-negotiable.

Martin told the press that Congressman Quartermaine was going to address the charges against his aunt, Tracy Quartermaine. There was nothing more important to him than family, honesty, and loyalty. Brook wondered if Tracy would go through with it, and Chase said Tracy had the means, motive, and opportunity. Brook said Tracy’s colorful past didn’t help, but if Tracy had wanted to drug Drew, she wouldn’t have met him in a public place and kept the evidence in her car. She’d already been caught framing someone and wouldn’t let herself get caught again. He said it was an interesting and perfectly logical defense.

Drew said, it didn’t have to go this way. Tracy could have cooperated. Tracy said he was so proud himself for winning. Gloat wasn’t a good color on him. He said, nor on her, although she’d worn it many times. Now that the shoe was on the other foot, he guesses it was proof they were related. He left and she said, think again.

Isaiah told Portia that he and Jordan’s relationship was brief. It got complicated and she wanted to step back. Portia said she could guess why, and he said this wasn’t helping her unwind. Maybe they should go. She said, absolutely not, and he said he’d wanted to help her relax, not add to her tension. She said it hadn’t. Curtis didn’t even notice she was here. Clearly, he was focused on something else.

At the press conference, Drew told Kai, when it was over, they could go back to what was important, making the constituents happy. His aunt made a grave error in judgement and when she acknowledged that, he could put the incident behind him and move forward. Kai flashed back to hearing Curtis talk about paying Jacinda off to say Drew took the ketamine on purpose, and Drew said he’d see Kai after the press conference.

Nina said she needed to talk to Carly. Carly needed to get through to Michael. If she didn’t, Willow was going to marry Drew.

Michael found Willow in the solarium and told her that the kids weren’t there. She said Yuri told her and although she’d love to see them, she came to see him.

Trina told Curtis that Kai accepted a position as Drew’s congressional intern, and he said he was sorry. There were better people for Kai to work and learn from, but don’t let the tension affect their relationship. Kai was a good guy and Trina seemed happy with him. Don’t let this stop that between them. Trina said she knew Curtis was trying to find the escort and bring her back, but she didn’t understand how it would protect her mom. He said it was complicated and to leave it alone, but she said she couldn’t. What kind of trouble was her mom in?

Portia said she couldn’t fix the situation until she knew what she was dealing with, when Isaiah’s phone rang. He said he needed to take it and when he left, Portia went over to Jordan. She said she was sorry to interrupt. Jordan must be exhausted from entertaining her husband all afternoon.

Carly said she felt awful about Willow, and Nina said she’d be legally entitled to visitation sooner or later. Carly said they’d deal with it them, and Nina said both kids were at an impressionable age. Drew would be a potential role model and a huge influence. The only way to change that would be for Michael to compromise now. Carly needed to convince him to allow Willow to see the kids and get a court order as soon as possible and make sure it’s just Willow, not Drew. Carly said she didn’t think it was possible, and Nina said if Willow saw the kids, she could pry her away from Drew. Carly had the power to get Michael to allow Willow to see the children.

Michael asked how Willow was feeling, and she said, better. She was so shocked. It hit her all at once and she didn’t know how to handle it. He said it was a surprise to him too, and she said the process was horrible. She didn’t want another court fight. Wiley and Amelia loved and needed them both, and they needed to set a good example. Michael agreed, and she said that’s why she wasn’t hiding anything anymore.  Their lack of honesty was what got them into trouble in the first place. She and Drew were getting married.

Drew addressed the press and said he knew his family was a fractious group and Tracy Angelica Quartermaine’s questionable judgement was legendary. As a family, they’d decided it didn’t make sense to waste taxpayer money and clog the court with a personal mattery. His aunt fully regretted her actions that led to her arrest and was pleased to make a public announcement. The Quartermaine family would settle the dispute in house, and he’d no longer cooperate with the investigation involving his aunt and strongly encouraged them to drop the charges. Now his aunt would like to address them herself.

Tracy took the podium and said she’d like to read a few prepared remarks. With regard to the reckless and reprehensible accusations she’d levied against her beloved and honorable nephew, Congressman Drew Quar… After trying several times, she said she couldn’t do it. She had to tell the truth. Drew took the drugs, then planted them in her car. He caused embarrassment and disgrace to the family when he destroyed his nephew’s marriage and should be thrown out of office the same way his stepmother threw him out of the Quartermaine mansion.

Tuesday:

Jason met Sonny at Sonny’s house. Sonny said Turner thought she was sending him to prison, but didn’t know her star witness was about to disappear.

Sidwell invited Lucy to lunch at the MetroCourt Garden, and said his son would be joining them.

Jordan said she didn’t know what Portia was implying, and Portia said she saw Jordan and Curtis by the pool, smiling and laughing. Jordan said reminiscing about old times? and Portia asked if she meant during their marriage. Jordan said Portia needed to have a conversation with Curtis, but Portia said Curtis wasn’t the problem. Jordan was.

Trina told Curtis about Kai overhearing him and Portia talking about Jacinda. She asked if Portia was in trouble and did Drew have something to do with it. Kai was working with Drew, and she needed him to tell her what was going on.

Tracy tried to call Drew Congressman Quartermaine, but couldn’t do it. She said she had to tell the truth. Drew took the drugs, then planted some in her car to embarrass and disgrace her. Just ask her nephew about that. He should be thrown out of office the same way his stepmother threw him out of the Quartermaine mansion. Martin suggested Brook take Tracy home. She was either having a stroke or sundowning.

Nina said Carly had to convince Michael to give Willow visitation. It was the only way to stop her from marrying Drew. Carly said Nina had plenty of chances to do that and nothing had worked. Why was this time different?

Michael said he and Willow married to get custody of Wiley from Nelle. Did she think it was going to help her this time? She said she loved Drew and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, and Michael said if she married Drew, he’d make sure she never saw the kids again.

Jason said Natalia’s house was set up along with the guards, and Sonny said if she brought over the incriminating records, she’d be off to Belize. Jason said he had eyes on her just in case, but had one concern. What if Natalia already told Sidwell everything she knew?

Sidwell, Marco, and Lucy talked about Sidwell’s house in Dubai, and Sidwell said he’d tried to swing a substantial sale Lucy’s way, but it fell through. She asked if he was talking about Windymere, but he said, no. Sonny’s piers. Sonny considered his offer, but decided not to take it. Que sera sera. Lucy said, don’t give up yet. Perhaps she could still make it happen.

Nina said if Michael agreed to a generous visitation schedule, there was no way Willow would pass it up, even if Drew couldn’t go. Eventually, Willow would see that she didn’t need Drew’s help to have the kids in her life, and it would be the beginning of the end of their relationship. Carly said Drew was still calling the shots. There was no way he’d let Willow agree when it didn’t include him.

Willow said Michael won custody, but once she and Drew were married, the judge would revisit it and give her at least partial custody. Michael said he wasn’t being cruel, but after her meltdown, he didn’t think that would happen. He’d exercise every bit of his power to protect his kids. She said he didn’t have to protect them from her, but he said as long as she was with Drew, it wasn’t healthy for them. It was his opinion and the judge’s too. She said Willow’s relationship with Drew was the reason she’d lost. If they got married, she would seal her fate. She said he was just trying to bully her into dumping Drew. He was scared she was going to win and when she did, she’d try to have more compassion than he had for her.

Tracy said she was no fool, and on the side, Kai said he wanted to get Drew out of there, out of the line of fire and away from the cameras. Martin said Tracy blew her chance to stay out of prison with her insolent behavior. If there was any doubt about her guilt, there wasn’t now. She said his client got caught acting like a frat boy on spring break and was trying to cover his ass, planting the ketamine to frame her. From the audience, Cody said she was dead wrong about that.

Lucy said perhaps she could get Sonny to reconsider, but Sidwell said he’d declined before. She said circumstances had changed and she thought she’d pay him a visit right now. Sidwell called her an angel, and hugged her.

Sonny told Jason that he’d considered the possibility of Natalia leaking information to Sidwell, but from what he’d seen, she couldn’t stand Sidwell. The animosity ran deep and Sidwell would make plans to come after him even if Natalia was gone. He wasn’t the type to take no for an answer.

Portia said she’d seen Jordan begging for Curtis’s attention before, when Isaiah came back. Portia said Jordan found excuses to seek Curtis out, but Jordan said they had business dealings, and they were still family. Curtis was TJ’s uncle. And they were friends. Portia was projecting and what she’d described was how she chipped away at Jordan’s marriage to Curtis. Portia asked if it was pay back, and Jordan said if they were having a problem, it wasn’t on her. Portia asked, who said they were having problems? and Jordan said something wasn’t right or Portia wouldn’t be confronting her. Portia said Jordan had been fawning over Curtis and it was embarrassing, and Jordan said Portia was the one causing a scene because she felt insecure. It had nothing to do with her. If Portia’s marriage was on the rocks, Jordan was guessing she only had herself to blame. Grabbing a drink from nearby, Portia threw it on Jordan.

Cutis said Trina’s mother was in a tough position with very negative consequences if it wasn’t handled, and Trina asked how she could help. He said she couldn’t. They were handling it. She asked if he was tracking down Jacinda, and he said, yes. She asked if he was going to ask her to lie, but he said, the less she knew, the better. She said she understood he wanted to protect her but thought he was making a big mistake. She could help.

Tracy said she gave Cody a roof over his head and a job. This was how he repaid her? Brook told Chase that Cody despised Drew, and Chase asked why he was doing this. Brook said she had no idea. Martin announced that Cody was the son of the PCPD Chief of Police Mac Scorpio and worked for Tracy. It was courageous for him to speak out against his employer. Cody said he wasn’t a supporter of Drew’s and didn’t vote for him, but he couldn’t stand by and see him be accused of something he didn’t do. Cody was in charge of the horses, and Hades was their prize show horse. Before the Hampton Classic, Hades needed a minor medical procedure, and he had to help by getting an anesthetic. His truck wouldn’t start so he borrowed Tracy’s car. In addition to supplies, he picked up ketamine and must have left a vial in Tracy’s car. That meant the congressman didn’t frame her and Miss Quartermaine didn’t drug the congressman. She was innocent.

Curtis said he appreciated Trina’s concern, but her mom was in this situation because of him. Drew had been gunning for him and got to him through Trina’s mother. He was the target, not her, and he didn’t want Trina involved. They were capable people, and she had to trust him. Trina asked him to promise to tell her if it got worse, and he promised, but told her, in the meantime, don’t discuss it with anyone. She promised that she and Kai wouldn’t tell anyone.  

Jordan asked what was wrong with Portia, and Isaiah told Portia to come with him. As she left, Portia warned Jordan to stay out of her marriage. Isaiah hustled her out and asked if she felt better. Portia said, not really. This wasn’t her, but she had to deal with this once and for all. Her phone rang and she said now was her chance.

Nina told Carly that she’d deal with Drew, but needed Michael to work with her. Do it for their grandchildren. They loved and needed to see their mother. It would also help Willow deal with the trauma. Carly said she wasn’t unsympathetic, but hadn’t forgotten what Willow put the children through. She couldn’t stop Willow from marrying Drew; no one could. Nina would have to figure out another way. Carly left.

Jason said too bad Sidwell wasn’t legit. Sonny selling him the piers would solve all their problems. Sonny said, leaving Port Charles in Sidwell’s hands was a huge mistake, and Jason said they couldn’t tie him to the explosion or exonerate him. There was too much uncertainty, and they should prepare for blowback. There was a knock at the door, and Jason opened it to Lucy carrying a basket of oranges. She said she was hoping to have a tête-à-tête with Sonny, and Jason said he had to get going. He left and Lucy said they needed to talk about Sonny’s piers.

Outside, Jason’s phone rang. Nina asked if there was any chance he could meet her at the MetroCourt.

Michael said he’d tried to be compassionate, but Willow said he was unreasonable. She’d flown to Germany to see if they could work something out, and he refused to see her. He asked where she was getting that. No one told him that she was there. She said she spoke to the receptionist, who’d conferred with him and said he didn’t want to see her. He said, that never happened. It must have been a mistake. Willow said the mistake was hers thinking it was possible to be amicable, but he said it made no sense. She said he couldn’t stand it that she chose Drew over him, and he was holding it against her, keeping the children from her as punishment for falling in love with another man. He said he’d never use the children to punish her, but he would protect him from Drew, who was a destructive, manipulative fraud. She insisted Drew was none of those things. He respected her enough to tell her the truth, and he said Drew lied to her and she lied to herself. Willow said Drew treated her as an equal, and he said she wouldn’t stop living in her warped fantasy life. She said he was used to getting his way, but not this time. She was going to marry Drew, and she was going to get her children back.

Martin asked why Cody hadn’t stepped up before now, and Cody said he didn’t watch the news. There was so much sadness out there. He didn’t realize he’d left the ketamine in the car until it was time for the procedure. The full truth was he didn’t ask to borrow Tracy’s car and was worried she’d be upset if she found out. Martin said, more than facing charges that would send her to prison? and Cody said he didn’t realize how far it had gone. When he found out what happened, he had to say something. Martin asked how much Tracy was paying him, and Cody said he had the receipt, pulling it out of his pocket and reading, Dr. Jane Thomas, DVM. Martin said that didn’t prove a damn thing. It could have been doctored. Tracy grabbed the receipt and said she’d take it to an expert to prove it wasn’t. It was going right to her lawyer. Martin made a grab for it and fell off the stage.

Sonny asked if Sidwell sent Lucy over, but she said, no. She thought he needed to reconsider Sidwell’s offer. It wasn’t about the commission, but about being his friend and getting him out of a politically sticky situation. Measure C made a mess for him and Laura. Why turn down Sidwell? Sonny said, because he was a bad guy, and Lucy asked if he realized he was already in business with Sidwell through Deception. He said it wasn’t his decision, and she said the stock was soaring. It would be that much better if Sidwell owned the piers to operate his import business. He said, minerals and God knows what else, and she said in the spirit of cooperation and friendship, what could she do to make it happen?

Marco wondered if Sidwell thought Lucy could get Sonny to change his mind, and Sidwell said it was a long shot, but she was very persuasive. He hoped she succeeded so he didn’t have to resort to more drastic measures… Just kidding. Marco said he didn’t think Sonny would be an impediment for much longer.

Nina told Jason that Drew was engaged to her daughter, and she needed to make sure they didn’t make it to the altar. He asked how he could help, and she said she pitched a plan to Carly to get Michael on board, but Carly turned her down. She was desperate and Michael valued his opinion. He asked, what was her plan? and she said she wanted Michael to let Willow see the kids – without Drew. It would give Willow less reason to marry Drew and give her wiggle room to get Willow to postpone the wedding. If she got really lucky, she could convince Willow to dump Drew altogether. He said, it could work, and she asked if that meant he’d talk to Michael. Willow approached and asked, what’s going on here?

Carly told Michael that she’d talked to Nina and Nina told her that Willow and Drew were getting married. He said he knew. Willow was just there. She was convinced it would help her win back custody. Carly said, Nina thought if he allowed Willow visitation without Drew, it would take away her incentive to get married. Eventually, she could be pried away from Drew, and he’d be out of the picture for good. In the end, that’s what he wanted, right?

Portia said she was at the pool when Curtis called, and he said they must have missed each other. She said, they didn’t. She saw him with Jordan and thought they needed to have a conversation about that. He said they needed to discuss Trina. She knew Portia was in trouble, and knew it was because of Drew.

Martin was helped up, and Drew said he thought it best to bring the conference to an end. He thanked everyone for their time and patience, but Tracy said, before they left, there was something Drew might want to say to the good people of Port Charles. Drew said it seemed his dear Aunt Tracy had been exonerated, and he couldn’t tell them how relieved he was to know she wasn’t the one who drugged him. But rest assured he’d be working closely with the PCPD to find the real culprit. Tracy said he didn’t have to look far. Just look in the mirror. She laughed.

Jordan said she was glad Isaiah was still there, and he asked if she was okay. She said it was unexpected, but she was fine, and she thanked him for intervening. She didn’t know why Portia flew off the handle. He said he saw her with Curtis too. Was she seriously trying to say there was nothing to worry about?

Portia said they should have been more careful and asked if Curtis thought Kai told Drew what he heard. Curtis said, Trina told him that Kai wouldn’t, and he had a hard time believing Kai would do anything to hurt their family or Trina. He wanted to make sure Trina didn’t get tangled up in this. She asked if Trina knew what Drew was holding over her head, but Curtis said she had no idea Portia doctored Heather Webber’s test results. Portia said, if she did, she’d probably blame herself, and he agreed. They had to make sure to stop Drew. She said it didn’t seem possible, but he said he had some good news.

Michael said he thought Willow would come to her senses, but he was wrong and so were Carly and Nina. Today he knew Willow was incapable of realizing that her and Drew’s relationship was harming the kids. It was why she lost custody, and she couldn’t or wouldn’t see it. Ultimately, it didn’t matter because the impact on the kids was the same. Carly asked, what was his plan? and Michael said he’d ask Diane to delay the visitation hearing, but when it happened, Willow would get nothing. Keeping the kids from their mother broke his heart, but he couldn’t allow Drew to be part of their lives.

Drew said if Martin hadn’t been focused on revenge, he would have seen what Tracy was planning and stop it before she made fools of them. Martin said he could do damage control with the press, but Drew said he’d done enough. Martin said he was going to the hospital to get his back checked, and Drew said Martin’s retainer was all he was getting.  

Chase said, that was quite a speech, and Cody said it was the truth. Chase asked if he really had the receipt, and Cody said he’d have to check. He wasn’t so good at keeping records.  

Brook said, that was wild. Cody rode in to rescue Tracy. Tracy said she was relieved to be cleared.

Sonny said Lucy was a savvy businesswoman and savvy enough to know not to get involved in the situation. Lucy said he was judging Sidwell by his reputation, not his actions, but he said he trusted his sources. She said she also trusted hers and thanked him for hearing her out. She hoped she hadn’t imposed on their friendship. He said, not at all, especially when she brought him delicious oranges. They ate one.

Sidwell asked why Sonny wouldn’t be a problem. Did Marco know something? Marco told him that he’d said as much as he could say, and Sidwell said he hoped Marco was right. He preferred not to get his hands dirty, but if it was the only option to eradicate Sonny from Port Charles, so be it.

Jordan said nothing was going on, and Isaiah asked if it was completely innocent… It wasn’t his business anymore. She said she was sorry it didn’t work out, and he said him too. He saw that Sidwell wasn’t the only problem. Her ex-husband was too. She said that wasn’t true, but he said, deep down, she knew it was. If not, she was in for a rude awakening.

Curtis told Portia that Felicia had a lead on Jacinda. She was in Sydney, He didn’t know her exact location, but he would within 48 hours. Portia said, maybe the nightmare would be over soon, and Curtis said if he could convince Jacinda to come back and publicly state that Drew hired her for a wild night of sex and drugs, he’d be too busy to focus on imploding Portia’s career.

Tracy asked if Brook didn’t think Cody would lie, and Brook said she wasn’t judging, but it was clever. Tracy said, it was Michael’s idea. A real Quartermaine knows how to get things done.

Drew told Kai that he’d have to call off the wedding. He couldn’t be the reason Willow lost her kids. Kai asked if he thought it was a possibility, and Drew said it seemed everyone was against them. Kai said there was something he should know. Curtis Ashford planned to find the escort and bring her back to say Drew knowingly abused drugs. He should prepare for increased scrutiny. (I said, no, no, no, no, no, through the whole thing.)

Willow asked if Michael sent Jason to intimidate her and her mom, and Jason said she was making a mistake. She said he was wrong about his brother. Drew was a good man, and she couldn’t wait to be his wife. Together, they were going to get her kids back. He said, if that’s what she wanted to do, that was her choice, and left.

Michael said he hated separating the kids from their mom, but it was for their own good, and Carly said she’d been where he was. She was convinced keeping him from AJ was the right thing, but he didn’t thank her for that decision. His kids might not thank him and might very well resent him. He said he had to do it anyway and live with the consequences.

Wednesday:

Gio instructed Rocco and Danny on working at the pool. Danny was on water and Rocco on towels. Rocco told Danny that his mom took his photo like it was his first day at school. From a chaise lounge, Lulu waved to Rocco.

At the Quartermaines, Marco gave Lulu two birth certificates for Rocco, telling her how, 7 months later, it was altered to Rocco Falconari. Dante walked in.

Kristina went to Alexis’s office and Alexis said she’d seen Elizabeth. Martin was pushing her to sue the car company. She wasn’t interested and Alexis thought she didn’t suspect Kristina’s involvement. Kristina said Elizabeth didn’t suspect, she knew. Lucky told her.

At the gallery, Ava gave Laura an invitation to the Joel Sartore opening, but Laura said her calendar was overflowing. If she couldn’t make it, could she pass the tickets on to Elizabeth?

Ric came into the hospital, and Elizabeth said she was busy, but he said he was there to see a potential client.

Martin told Lucas that his back was still killing him. Lucas examined him and Martin said it was all Tracy Quartermaine’s fault.

Tracy looked at her phone and laughed, when Cody walked in. He said he knew how much she enjoyed watching Martin fall ass over teakettle, and she thanked him. She knew the minute she told him to shut up, Martin would insist he speak. She was trying to make a GIF of Drew’s face the minute he realized she’d won, but she’d ask Leo to do it later. They needed to discuss his payment. He said he didn’t want her money.

At Sonny’s, he asked what Natalia’s answer was, but she said she didn’t know. He was asking her to give up her life. He said, for a whole new beautiful, comfortable life in Belize. They were running out of time. What was her answer?

Rocco asked what Lulu was doing there, and she said she was just another guest. She asked if he remembered his social security number and if he thanked Carly, while she straightened his shirt. Danny told Gio that Rocco was so embarrassed. if his mom was here… she’d do the same thing. Gio said, so would his.

Brook told Dante that they were wrapping up and said she’d let Marco know when she made a decision. Marco left, and Dante said he assumed Chase told Brook what happened. She said, yeah. He could hold what he wanted against her, but Chase was just protecting her. He said he didn’t want to hear it, and she asked if he wanted to yell at her again. He said he didn’t. Talking to Chase made him realize it wasn’t getting him anywhere. In order to reach Gio, they had to work together.

Cody told Tracy that Drew was such an ass, he was happy to take him down a peg or two. She’d been framed and he was glad to help. She was a great boss, and it was the best job he’d had. She said Hades loved him and she found him more than tolerable. She thanked him.

Kristina said Lucky didn’t mention the blackmail to Elizabeth. Just that he helped cover it up. She had the right to turn Kristina in, but wasn’t going to. Alexis said Elizabeth must know Lucky could be charged as an accessory after the fact, but Kristina said, Lucky was headed to Africa, but Elizabeth knew it would hurt Alexis and Molly. Alexis said Kristina’s plan to break up Ava and Ric needed to stop.

Ava said, of course (🍷), and Laura said Elizabeth loved art and now that she had her cast off, she probably wanted to get out. Ava said she was happy Elizabeth was feeling better, and asked if Laura wanted a sneak peek at Joel’s new book. She sipped at a drink, and Laura said not her too with the dragonberry juice. Ava said Ric got her hooked on it, and Laura said he and Elizabeth were drinking it when she stopped by.  

Elizabeth asked Lucas if Laura knew Martin was in the hospital, but he said he wasn’t sure. She said she’d do the honors, and he said he’d noticed Ric was around, but she said he was there for a potential client. Lucas pointed out that Ric had dropped by every day since Lucky left, and she asked if he thought she was leading Ric on.  

Sonny said the longer Natalia stalled, Turner would pull the deal and prosecute her. He couldn’t let her give Turner anything that incriminated him. Natalia handed him the key to her safe deposit box and said, everything was in it. Her life was in his hands.

Ava said Ric had been working nonstop, and Laura said, now that the Corinthos case was settled, he’d have more time. Laura’s phone rang and she stepped away to take the call. It was Elizabeth.

Kristina said, as long as Ric and Ava were in it together, they’d drain the Cassadine estate dry, and Alexis would get caught for embezzlement. Alexis said she wouldn’t leave Elizabeth in Ric’s crosshairs, but Kristina said, she already was. If anyone could handle Ric, she could. Alexis said Elizabeth had a soft spot for Ric and she’d take him back. They should tell her about the blackmail. Kristina said, if they did, she’d confront Ric before she kicked him out of her life. Then he’d retaliate by sending her to prison. They were in this too deep and couldn’t say anything.

Cody told Tracy that he didn’t like taking money to help a friend.

Martin said he was going to sue Tracy for emotional and physical distress and the damage would go up with every spasm, but Ric said Martin had lunged at the paper, lost his balance, and fell. Martin said Tracy goaded him. How about a nuisance suit? She’d pay them to go away. Ric said Tracy was too vindictive to settle and he’d need a retainer of $15K. Martin said he couldn’t afford it. He wasn’t even sure he could pay his deductible. Ric said, forget Tracy. Take care of his back.

Lucas said Elizabeth was friendly toward Ric, but he was seeing Ava. Why did she seem bothered? She said there were certain things she liked about Ric, but hadn’t forgotten the terrible things. She wasn’t going back to him and Ric knew that. Unless he saw what he wanted to see. Lucas said it was hard seeing the good in people that others didn’t, and she asked if he meant Brad. He said they all made choices, and he’d decided when he had enough.

Dante said he wasn’t ready to forgive Chase or Brook, but didn’t want to prevent a relationship with Gio now. Brook said she wanted that too and was sorry Gio was so mad at Dante. She gave Gio up. It wasn’t Dante’s choice. Dante said she’d had a good relationship with Gio before. On the other hand, he’d come down hard on Gio when Rocco passed out. He regretted it and it made it harder for Gio to trust him. She said they were in the same boat. What should they do?

Sonny said he knew Marco negotiated for Natalia and asked what the timeline was. She said, Monday, and he said she’d be long gone by then. She couldn’t tell Marco that she was leaving. If Turner found out she was going to run, Turner would arrest her. Natalia said she wouldn’t be able to come back, and he said, no contact with friends or family. Belize was beautiful, especially if you had money, and she’d be safe. She’d be in a beautiful, luxury home on the beach. She asked if he would still be in contact with her, and he said, yeah. He owed her a debt and took it seriously. (If she doesn’t want to go, I will.)

Cody met Kristina and said he assumed she wanted an Ava update. She asked how it was going, and he said she couldn’t expect instant results. If he came on too strong, Ava would get suspicious. She told him to include Lucky leaving the country in his next conversation, and he asked, why? She said Ric was infatuated with Elizabeth and Ava was aware of it. She was guessing that Ric didn’t tell Ava about Lucky, and it would make her insecure and more receptive to his advances. Cody said if Ric was into Elizabeth, wasn’t his job done?

Elizabeth said she was sorry she’d assumed Ric was there to see her, and he said she could make it up to him by letting him buy her coffee – or dragonberry juice. She said she would have guessed he had plans with Ava, but he said, not tonight. Ava was swamped with a big show coming up at the gallery.

Brook told Drew that Gio was fair. They should let him set the pace and not crowd him. Eventually, he’d be ready to hear them out. When he was ready to listen, they’d prove they wanted a relationship, one on one and as his parents. Dante asked, what happened if Gio was never ready?  

Lulu asked how Rocco and Danny were doing, and Gio said it was their first day, but he thought they’d get the hang of it – Danny dropped a towel – eventually. Lulu asked how Gio was doing, and he said, just fine.

Alexis asked if Eliabeth had a minute to talk in private, and she said, sure. Lucas’s phone rang, and Marco asked if he wanted to meet for a drink at the MetroCourt pool when he was done. They could watch the sunset. Lucas said he’d love to. He was guessing from Marco’s tone, his mom’s legal troubles had cleared up, hypothetically, and Marco said, hypothetically, the interim DA was tough, but he negotiated, and a tentative agreement was in place. He was glad it was over.

Sonny said Natalia had kept his heart condition a secret and made sure he got the help he needed. She came to him when Turner offered her a deal. She said she was sorry she let Turner think there was a deal worth making, and he said she was there for his daughter when she’d had an accident. She was also there for Kristina in court. These were the little things he didn’t forget, and he’d make sure she was taken care of. She thanked him and said he had no idea how grateful she was. She was excited about the new life he was offering. He said loyalty meant everything to him and he wouldn’t abandon her.

Laura asked what Martin had done to himself, and he said he’d had a bad fall and was stuck there overnight. He didn’t want to be a burden. She said he was her brother. She loved him and he’d never be a burden. He said he’d wanted to get his own place, but couldn’t work, and she told him not to worry. He’d need an overnight bag, so text her a list of things she needed to bring back. She left, and he said, Tracy Quartermaine is going to pay for this one.

Tracy met Lulu at the pool, and said there was a pool at the house, but Lulu said, that pool didn’t employ Rocco. It was his first day. Tracy thought it was cute that Lulu was spying on Rocco, but Lulu said she wasn’t spying, and Tracy laughed. Gio asked Danny what he was doing, and Danny said, refolding the towel. Gio said they couldn’t reuse the towels, but Danny said, the guy barely touched it. Gio said, any towel they picked up should be put in the bin. Lulu said it looked like Gio would have the big brother thing down if he gave it a chance, and Tracy told her to just be grateful they were getting along. He was still mad at Brook, and she hoped he got over it soon.

Dante told Brook that they couldn’t give Gio so much space that he’d question if they cared. They had to do something to show him. She said they couldn’t force a relationship on him, and he said there was so much he didn’t know about Gio. Now he felt like he’d never get to know him. Brook said he would. Between her, Dante, her mom, and her grandma, they’d get through to him. Dante said they were a tough group to ignore forever. She was right. They had to be patient, but it was hard. He’d missed so much already.

Cody asked if Molly would be okay if Ric and Elizabeth got back together, and Kristina said, Molly would love that, but Elizabeth wasn’t interested. Until Ric knew he had a sure thing, he’d settled for Ava, but Ava… Cody said, is no one’s consolation prize, and Kristina said, if there was a break-up, it would be Ava breaking up with Ric. They had to get Ava to see that she had better options than Ric.

On the phone, Ava said she’d lost an antique watch. She knew she had it the day Ric went to Beecher’s Corners to work a case. Could they tell her the date?… Her mistake. Thanks. She flashed back to Ric telling her that he’d made it back so quickly because he had a fast car and knew a shortcut. In the present, she said he was a lying liar.

Marco asked if Lucas was working at GH when Britt was Chief of Staff, and Lucas said he was. Britt was best friends with his ex, Brad. Why? Marco said he came across her name whole working on a case. He’d see Lucas at the pool. Lucas said they’d start at the pool and see where the night took them.

Alexis said she didn’t realize Kristina and Elizabeth had talked, and thanked Elizabeth for not going to the police even though she had every right. She didn’t take what Kristina had done lightly. She’d spent her life pursuing justice, and now she was covering up Kristina’s crime. Elizabeth said, of course (🍷) she was. Kristina was her daughter. Alexis said she couldn’t let Kristina go to prison even though she deserved it.  

Lulu thanked Rocco for the excellent service, and Tracy said, the service was fine, tipping him. Danny and Rocco high-fived and Gio said they were free to go. Rocco asked if they could go in the pool, but Gio said employees didn’t get to swim. Swim at the Quartermaines. Danny said what if he tripped and fell into Rocco, and Rocco said, and as he was falling, he pulled Danny in? Tracy blew a whistle and said she’d give them a ride home. She’d had enough fun in the sun.

Cody saw blank walls in the gallery and asked, what happened? Was this art? Ava said, no. She was making room for an exhibit. He saw a freestanding sculpture and asked if that was art. She said it was abstract and meant to be touched. They both ran their hands over it, when Ava’s phone rang. She said, that’s not right. They booked months ago… She was sorry too. Cody asked if she was okay, and she said, not really. That was the guy who normally hung the art exhibits. He had a family emergency and wasn’t coming.  She had nothing on the walls for the exhibit. Cody said he was good with a hammer and nails.

Elizabeth said Lucky told her that Kristina thought it was Ava’s car, and she was horrified, and Alexis said so was she. Elizabeth said she knew Kristina had been struggling since she lost the baby and Sam. Anyone would have snapped. She thought Kristina made a terrible mistake. She gave into her impulses, and she knew Kristina regretted it. Alexis said that was generous. She thought Kristina was aware of the severity of what she’d done, but she was wondering if she was seeing what she wanted to. Elizabeth said she didn’t think so. After talking to Kristina, she thought Kristina understood. It was one reason why she agreed to stay silent.

Sonny asked when Natalia was supposed to meet with Turner, and she said, Friday afternoon. He said by the time the meeting rolled around, she’d be on a beach, sipping a Mai Tai and thinking about her future. She thanked him and said she’d be ready. She needed him to know how important their relationship was to her, and he said it was to him too. She said she was sorry she’d compromised it not telling him that Jenz was her ex. He blindsided her and she froze. No matter how he sold himself, he was a dangerous man. Marco wasn’t. Sonny needed to know Marco wasn’t like Jenz. Her attitude drove Marco toward his dad, but he wasn’t a criminal like his father. Remember that. Sonny said as long as Marco was only Sidwell’s lawyer, there was no problem.

Ava said, hanging the art was harder than it seemed. She couldn’t ask Cody. Cody said he was offering. She would have to point and occasionally cheer him on, and not hit him with anything when he got too close to the art. Serenity, where he grew up, was huge and had a lot of art. He wasn’t allowed near it, but sometimes there was a piece he’d have to look at. If he leaned in, the housekeeper would slap him. Ava said, that was terrible, and he said, those days were long gone. He’d be on his best behavior and be careful. No slapping or fighting. Ava asked if he did that often, and he said, the last person he hit was the mayor’s son, but in his defense, he was drunk. Ava said, he hit Lucky? but he told her that it wouldn’t be a problem. He didn’t get drunk anymore and Lucky was out of the country.

Elizabeth told Alexis that Ric knew how she felt about Lucky and they hadn’t been killed. She thought it best to move on and she had. So had Ric. The accident was a wake-up call. Ric seemed lighter. Ric heard them and ducked around the corner.

Natalia went to Miller & Davis, and Marco asked if she wanted to go over the deal. Natalia said the message was clear, but she wasn’t there as his client. She was there as his mother.

Dante saw Lulu at the pool, and she told him that Rocco’s shift was over. He said, too bad. It looked like they both had the same idea.

Kristina was sitting in a lounge chair, when Lucas came in. She asked if he wanted to join her, and he said he was meeting Marco, but was happy to keep her company in the meantime. She asked if things were going well, and he said, very well.

Dante saw Gio and said, got a minute?

Brook was looking at the birth certificate, when Danny and Rocco walked in. Rocco asked if she was working, and she said, yeah. She was busy with a very important project.  

Deanna went into Martin’s room, and he said he hoped she brought dinner. He was starving. She said they had a bit of a problem. She was sorry, but apparently, his insurance lapsed. He was no longer covered.

Sonny went to see Laura and she asked, what’s going on? He said he wanted to tell her in person that he wouldn’t be selling the piers to Sidwell. She said she couldn’t tell him how relieved she was to hear him say that. Sidwell was an evil man. The last thing she wanted was for him to get a foothold in Port Charles. Sonny said that’s why he turned Sidwell down. He wants to take over the city, but that ain’t gonna happen. He knew Sidwell acted like a legitimate businessman, but he’d seen how Sidwell operated. Laura said, so had she, Lucky, Anna, and Jason. Sonny said, not to start anything, but violence was coming to Port Charles and they had to figure out a way to stop it.

Thursday:

Sasha put Daisy in her crib as she talked about the christening.

Brook was looking at the Rocco folder when Rocco and Danny came in. Danny said they almost got kicked out, and Brook asked what they did. Jason came in and told them to quit bugging Brook.

Gio told Dante that he was still on duty, and Dante said he had tickets to the Port Charles Philharmonic series. He asked if Gio would like to check it out with him. He, Gio, Rocco, and Charlotte could make a night out of it.

At the pool, Lucas told Lulu that he was meeting Marco, and she said she was happy that he was happy, but how close was Marco with his father?

Marco said he wasn’t interested in talking to Natalia outside of the case, and she said even if he never acknowledged her as his mother, she gave birth to him and nothing changed that. Not even if they never spoke or laid eyes on each other again. He asked what that was supposed to mean.

Sidwell looked at photos of Sonny’s family members, when Boyle came in griping about being summoned to Spoon Island. He asked what was with the photos, and Sidwell said Sonny’s family was his obvious weakness. Their negotiations broke down and it made him upset.

Carly went to Sonny’s and said she had bad news about the christening. Sonny said he thought the reception was at her place, but she said Monica wanted to go, so it was easier to have it there. He said there was something he needed to fill her in on.

Sidwell told Boyle that Sonny turned him down, so he had to give Sonny incentive to sell. The people of Port Charles had to be reminded there was a menacing thug in their midst. Boyle said he wanted no part of it, but Sidwell said he was paying for Boyle’s campaign and didn’t care what he wanted. He’d do what Sidwell deemed necessary, smile, and say thank you.  

Lucas said he understood Marco and his father were close, and Lulu asked if he wasn’t concerned. He said, not really. He appreciated her concern, but they were two completely different people. Marco wasn’t his father. She said it would be good to know how tight they were. Were they just emotionally tight or criminally tight too?

Natalia said it may be the last time she and Marco saw each other, and he said she was leaving the country, wasn’t she?

Dante told Gio that he didn’t know much about classical music, but the first chair violinist was one of the best in the country. Did he want to check it out? Gio flashed back to smashing his violin and said music wasn’t his thing at the moment. Dante said, maybe some other time. He had a subscription and Gio could take who he wanted to. Let him know.

Jason asked how the pool was, and Brook said it was still standing. Danny said Gio wouldn’t let them go for a swim, and Jason said they had a pool there. Rocco told him, that’s what Gio said, and Danny said, nothing happened, and Tracy drove them home. The boys left, and Jason asked if Brook was good. She said she was up to her neck in Deception, and Jason said he had to talk to the boys and see how much money he owed Carly.

Sasha told Daisy, sleep well, my little ray of sunshine. She turned out the light and left.

Felicia was waiting in the nook and asked Sasha how it was going. Sasha said it was wonderfully exhausting and everything she’d ever dreamed of. She thanked Felicia for coming, and Felicia said she figured it had something to do with the christening and last-minute errands. Sasha said it was something more important. Felicia had been supportive, encouraging, and loving, Sasha’s ultimate safe space. It would mean so much to her if Felicia would be Daisy’s godmother.

Danny and Rocco told Jason about the day, and Rocco said Gio was a drag. They wanted a quick swim. Danny said it wasn’t like Carly would care, when Dante came in. He said the staff being in the pool would make them look entitled unprofessional. They didn’t want to be those guys. The boys left and Jason thanked Dante. He said he thought it was going to be good for Danny to work, and Dante said Rocco too. Did Jason have a minute? Jason asked, what’s up? and Dante said he realized he had the wrong take on Jason.

Lucas told Lulu that he assumed Marco and Sidwell’s relationship was similar to Sonny and Dante’s. They loved each other, but chose to keep Sonny’s extracurricular activities out of it. Lulu said Sidwell didn’t strike her as having the same code or boundaries, but Lucas said Marco promised he had nothing to do with his father’s business and had given him no reason not to trust that. Lulu said she didn’t, but she was going off what she knew about Marco’s father, and Lucas said, totally fair. Imagine if Charlotte was judged solely on who her father was. She said, well played, and he said, score. She said she just wanted him to be careful, and he said his eyes were open. Maybe he and Marco crossed wires. He was going to go. Lulu said, if Marco showed up, she’d tell him that he just missed Lucas, and Lucas left.

Natalia said she was leaving the country and Marco never had to deal with her again ever. He asked where she was going, and she asked what difference it made. She was starting a new life somewhere else. He wondered how she arranged it. Sonny, right? She said, yes.

Sonny told Carly that Sidwell had offered to buy his piers. The offer looked good on paper, but he couldn’t hand over unchecked power. He knew Sidwell wasn’t a fan of the word no and wouldn’t give up. Carly asked how long Sidwell had been trying. How were they sure he wasn’t responsible for the fire in the penthouse, or the assassination attempt in LA? Sidwell could be a threat to their family.

A drunk guy told Lulu that he liked her hat, calling her blondie. He asked if he could buy her a drink. She said she was good, and the guy sat down. He said the Mai Tais were insane, and Gio asked if Lulu was okay. The guy said he was trying to convince her to have Mai Tai and loosen up. How about a swim? Gio said the pool was closed and the lady would like him to move along, but the guy said he and blondie were good. Lulu said if he called her blondie once more time, she swore… Gio said he was going to tell security the guy was harassing her, and the guy said they were real buzzkills. He’d go swimming on his own. Gio repeated that the pool was closed. Get out. The guy left, and Lulu thanked Gio for the assist, when they heard a splash.

Brook looked at Rocco’s folder and flashed back to Lulu saying she’d never lie to her children or keep huge life altering secrets from them. Brook called Deception and asked Mona to print out the March financials. She’d pick them up from the office. She put the folders on her desk and left.

Sonny told Carly that he, Brick, and Jason had been looking into it, but so far nothing tied Sidwell to the bombing or assassination attempt. Then again, nothing exonerated him either. Carly asked how they knew he wasn’t a genius at covering his tracks, and Sonny said he was keeping his guard up. Sidwell had it easy getting what he wanted in Port Charles. Carly said he was invested in Deception, had underwritten the Nurses Ball, and scooped up Windymere, but Sonny said Sidwell wasn’t going to take anything from him.

Marco asked when Natalia went to Sonny, and she said before she’d come to him. He said Sonny was going to kill her, but she said that wasn’t who Sonny was. He said Sonny was a mobster, but she said he wouldn’t hurt her. They were friends… more than that. He’d promised to take care of her. He appreciated she’d been there for him a lot. He said she was blowing the deal and now her best outcome was to go to prison where they could keep her safe, but she said she and Sonny were leaving together. He said Sonny’s entire family and business were there. He wasn’t going anywhere. She said, not permanently, but she was starting a new life in a new country and Sonny would be part of it. He’d promised to provide for her. He said Sonny was going to kill her. He’d negotiated a deal she’d had no intention of honoring. He could be on the hook and go to prison. Lucas came in and asked if he was okay.

Felicia said she’d be honored to be Daisy’s godmother. Was Michael… Sasha said she was certain Michael was in full agreement. Felicia was a steadying presence and a true friend. Felicia said they were family, and Sasha said she felt that. Her mom and Robert were gone, and she was grateful. Other than her grandmother, she’d had no consistent mother figure. Felicia had a maternal way with her gentle guidance and open acceptance. She let people find their own way and she wanted that for her daughter. Felicia suggested they make it official, raised her hand, and said she accepted the role as Daisy’s godmother. They hugged.  

Daisy cried and someone came into the room, their shadow looming over her.

Natalia said she’d let Marco fill Lucas in. She wasn’t dealing with him when he behaved like this. Marco said he tried. If she left, the rest was on her. If she walked out, she was no longer his client or his mother. She was officially nothing to him. She said she already was and left. Marco said he had to call the police, but Lucas said, don’t do that.

Carly asked Sonny, what about Natalia? She was Sidwell’s ex and knew he’d had heart surgery. What if she’d tipped Sidwell off? Sonny said, let him worry about that. Natalia wasn’t going to be a problem for him or anyone in their family.

Dante said he thought Danny ran wild because Jason was too busy with Sonny to see what Danny was doing and what Danny thought he needed. Jason said he knew Danny needed space, and Dante said balance began there. They couldn’t hold on too tight. That’s not how it operated with Rocco, and he had to be patient with Gio. Let him call the shots. He was sorry he was so dismissive and critical of the way Jason parented his son. He apologized. Jason said, no problem. Apology accepted.  

Sasha suggested she make tea and found she’d put the milk in the cupboard instead of the fridge. Baby brain was real. Felicia asked how it was going with the Quartermaines, and Sasha said it had been great. Michael was an amazing father and Wiley and Amelia were so cute with the baby. They wanted to help with her, and she loved it. Felicia asked about Sasha’s parents, and Sasha said Robert video called every morning at 10 am Eastern time. He had to see Daisy. Felicia said, what about Holly?

Daisy was now in a different onesie, and the mystery person left. (I wondered now if it was Holly.)

Sasha said Holly was a work in progress, and Felicia said, weren’t they all? Sasha said they’d come a long way to build a relationship, and Felicia said her relationship with Maxie hadn’t always been good. She made some big mistakes, and it took a lot of time and effort and a lot of forgiveness to overcome it. It didn’t happen overnight. Sasha said Holly had been lovely. She’d sent a gift and they’d been texting. Now that she was a mother with a daughter, she looked at some of Holly’s choices differently and thought Holly did the best she could in the best way she knew how. Holly was what she was, and Sasha was starting to see she did what she could. Felicia said nothing taught you humility faster than parenthood. Everything you knew about your parents probably deserved a second look, as well as things you knew about yourself. They heard Daisy crying on the monitor, and Felicia said she was going home to rethink her outfit.  

A man told Gio that the guest was escorted off the property and sent home in a cab. It wasn’t the first incident, so he was no longer welcome at the MetroCourt. Gio had done an excellent job getting him out of the pool. He told Lulu, sorry for the inconvenience, but Lulu said she was fine and praised Gio. The man left, and Lulu said, part of her wanted to let him drown. Brook came in, but stayed behind a partition, listening. Lulu asked what the rule was about dangling your feet in the water, and Gio said he’d let her. She asked if he wanted to join her, and he said, why not? They sat laughing and talking as Brook watched.

Danny said he was going to bury Rocco at poker, when he saw the folders on Brook’s desk. Rocco said Brook told them that was private. Should he be looking at it? Danny noticed Rocco’s name.

Lucas said it was just them, and Marco said Lucas didn’t understand. He needed to get his mom arrested. Lucas said he’d mentioned Sonny, and Marco said his mom had evidence against Sonny that she was supposed to turn over to ADA Turner, but she already gave it to Sonny. Sonny convinced her that he’d protect her, and in her mind, she was moving to another country to live with Sonny. Lucas said that made no sense. Sonny had too many ties to Port Charles. Marco told Lucas, that’s what he’d said. She was supposed to turn everything in on Monday at 11 am, but she wouldn’t be there. Now he was left holding the bag. Lucas said he couldn’t bring the police in. He couldn’t be the reason his own mother went to prison.

Sidwell was looking at the photos again, when he heard Natalia coming in. She said she and Marco just got in a huge fight. Marco never wanted to see her again. He asked, whose fault was that?

Lulu and Gio talked and laughed, and Lulu said she was glad Gio was here for the boys. She had the feeling they needed him. Gio said he was glad Danny and Rocco weren’t there when the drunk was bothering her. They would have tackled him into the pool. Lulu said they didn’t need to. The Mai Tai idiot did it on his own. She thought they handled it pretty well. He said if she hadn’t thrown him the floating device, the guy would have dragged him down too. She said they made a pretty good team, and he said, they sure did. They high-fived and Brook looked pained.

Jason said he was sorry for what Dante was going through with Gio, but Dante said what happened wasn’t on Jason. Jason said Dante wasn’t responsible for what he didn’t know. Gio was a smart and good kid. Dante had to trust him to figure it out. Dante said he didn’t know what Gio would want from him or even what he had to offer, and he didn’t think Gio would accept it if he did.

Danny said it was about Rocco. See for himself. He handed Rocco the folder.

Marco said either Natalia went to prison, or he did, or she died, but Lucas said he didn’t know as Sonny would kill her. Marco negotiated in good faith with the ADA. It wasn’t on him if his mother ran for it. Marco said it was a total nightmare, and Lucas said the only people who knew the truth about Natalia’s plans were Sonny, Natalia, Marco, and him. He wasn’t going to say a word. No one else ever needed to know. Marco said Lucas would keep his secret? and Lucas said he would.

Sonny said they should be grateful Michael was home safe with the kids and happy, and Carly said, and their newest adorable surprise granddaughter. It was wild all the family Daisy brought together. Daisy was a Spencer, a Corinthos, a Quartermaine, and a Scorpio. Sonny said, God help her, and Carly said she was going to get so much love.

Sasha goes to Daisy’s room and says Daisy is lying in the wrong direction. She always puts Daisy facing the door. And her onesie was yellow. Did daddy change her? Why would he do that?

Natalia says she should have known she wouldn’t find compassion. Sidwell turned her son against her a long time ago. He says she did that all on her own, for not accepting Marco for who he was – a remarkable man. So whatever hole she found herself in this time, don’t expect him to dig her out. Natalia said she didn’t, but she needed him to promise something. He said he loved Marco; prove it. Keep Marco out of his disgusting business. They both knew Sidwell had his hands covered in blood. Don’t doom their son to the same fate. She left and he took out the photos one more time. He looked at Sonny, then slammed the envelope down. He went out onto the turret in the rain and looked out over the city.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Josslyn greets Michael at the Quartermaines and says they’re having a christening in his baby’s honor. She’s so excited, but admits she didn’t see it coming. He says, no one did at first. It wasn’t exactly planned. She says, you can’t plan for a baby as cute as Daisy. They’ll all be putty in her little hands. He says, Daisy was what his heart needed, but he didn’t realize until Sasha told him. Josslyn says she’s happy for him, and he says he’s happy for him too. She says, he’s home where he belongs, and he says, finally. She asks why he wanted to meet here instead of the church, and he says he wanted the chanced to explain why she’s not Daisy’s godmother.

Felicia says she’s excited. She can only imagine how Sasha is feeling. Sasha says she’s pretty excited too, and Felicia says, a christening is a big deal. It’s an honor to be Daisy’s godmother. Sasha says, when she was growing up, there was no big family, just her and her grandmother most of the time. Thanks to Felicia, Maxie, and Mac, Daisy will have the kind of life she didn’t have. She loves Felicia. Felicia says she loves Sasha too, but why did Sasha make everyone think Jason was Daisy’s father the whole time?

Carly says, Jason looks perfect (FYI, in a suit), and he thanks her. She says, Michael would have probably asked him to be Daisy’s godfather, but Sasha did it first. Michael didn’t have to ask. He says he’s honored, but he was surprised. She says, in the first place, he really stood up as Daisy’s father when no one knew who was. Sasha would have been alone except for him. They must have a genuine bond. He says, they do, and she says, it’s fitting that now he gets to watch over Michael’s daughter like he watched over Michael.

Natalia thanks Brook for coming over. She wanted to speak with Brook privately. Brook asks, what’s going on? and Natalia says, it’s the last thing Brook wants to hear. Deception is in trouble.

Turner shows up at Sonny’s place, and he says, hi, Justine. To what does he owe the visit? She says, for the record, they’re not on a first name basis, and he asks if he should call his lawyer. She says, he might if his attorney can explain why he sent her this. She indicates a box in her hands.

On the phone, Anna says, then get another judge to sign off because she needs the warrant today… Yes, today today… Thank you. She tells Jordan, sorry. Signing off is supposed to be the easy part. Jordan says, don’t apologize. She knows how it works in this office. Anna asks if Jordan put any more thought into what she should do about Curtis, and Jordan says she doesn’t know what’s happening between them, but whatever it is, Portia has a big problem with it.

Portia goes to Curtis’s office and says he must have gotten an early start this morning. She didn’t see him at home. He says he had work he needed to take care of, and she says she understands. she was hoping they could talk. He says, now is not a good time today, but she says she needs to know one thing. Is he helping her with Drew to save their marriage or is he using getting her out of trouble as an excuse to leave her once and for all?

Sasha tells Felicia that there was so much strife swirling around Michael, she didn’t want her child dragged into any part of what was going on around him. Felicia says, being a mother means making hard choices and putting your child first. Sasha was already thinking like Daisy’s mom before she was even born. Another way to be a mom is allowing the family to spoil her daughter. That reminds her. She and Yuri took all the gifts to the nursery. Sasha says, gifts? Plural? Felicia says, Sasha has no idea, and Sasha says she’ll remind Daisy again and again how lucky she is – how lucky they are – to be part of the Scorpio family. Cody stands at the door with a giant stuffed elephant and asks if that includes them.  

Sonny asks, what’s in the box? and Turner asks if he’s really going to pretend he doesn’t know. He says he doesn’t have to pretend. Sorry to burst her bubble. She says, it’s a baseball glove, gorgeous, very expensive. Some of the nicest leather she’s ever seen. He says, whoever sent it was doing her a favor judging by the sad, ugly glove she showed him the other day. She could definitely use it. She says, giving gifts to a public official is a risky move. If it’s seen as a bribe, it’s a felony. He says, is that so? She says, it is, but a squeaky-clean guy like him would never cross that line, would he?

Josslyn says she would make the best godmother the world had ever seen, and Michael says, no doubt, but he and Sasha agreed in the beginning that she would make all the decisions when it came to raising the baby. Josslyn asks if he supports that, and he says, 100%. She decided on Jason and Felicia. Josslyn says she can’t be mad at that. They’re amazing options. She knows firsthand that Jason is the best godfather one could have. Michael says Jason promised to be there for Daisy, just like he was there for him and for Josslyn, and she says, when Michael was in Germany, she couldn’t help feeling the heart of the family was missing. He really is their anchor. He says, speaking of his time away, it sounds like she and mom kept busy. Mom is dating the spy from Christmas dinner and Josslyn went to Easter Island and is now assisting a professor in his research. She needs to tell him everything, like now.  

At the church Jason says, Carly and Michael didn’t make it easy, but it was an honor to watch over them. Carly says she looks back at that time and she’s like, how did I do that? How could she leave her newborn? But she was able to do it because of him. If Michael was with him, she knew he’d be okay. Jason says, and he was, and she says, more than okay. He took care of everything, even Michael’s christening. By the time she walked into the church, her son had a name. He says, two of his favorites – Sonny and Mike. He can still hear Edward yelling, over my dead body! when they announced it. She says, only the Quartermaines would crash a christening, and he says, they had to. They weren’t invited. She says, Edward was so mad. Wow. But not today. There will be no uninvited crashers today.  

Brook tells Natalia that she blew off Tracy’s concerns about Sonny’s investment because she did her due diligence. The money was clean. It was from an account Sonny put aside for the record label. Natalia says, that money was clean, but it was a second follow-up transaction from a different account. If she’d scrutinized it in time, she’d have caught it. Brook asks if Sonny knew, but Natalia says, he had no idea. His finance team handled it. Brook says, Sonny would never do something like that, and Natalia agrees and says, it was a huge clerical error. Brook says, an error that could cost Deception its reputation, and Natalia says, it could, but there are some things they can do to protect the company. Have Sonny divest for safety and optics. There’s also a chance it may never come out. Brook asks if Natalia thinks they need to avoid a scandal, and Natalia says she doesn’t know, but she thought Brook deserved to know regardless. Brook says she appreciates that, but why come forward now?

Anna says, so Portia, General Hospital’s Chief of Staff, threw a drink on Jordan? and Jordan says, Co-Chief and yes. Portia threw a glass of iced tea on her. Anna says, wow, and Jordan says, and she caused a total scene, which is her way. Anna says, good Lord. Talk about overreacting. Jordan says, it’s just Portia’s M.O. in general, but if she’s being honest, she’s not so sure Portia was. She and Curtis do have a connection that runs deep, and she’ll always carry a torch for him. She doesn’t think that will ever change. Anna says, it’s a struggle, carrying a torch for another woman’s husband, one that you still love or have feelings for. It’s kind of brutal, especially when they’ve moved on. Jordan says, that’s the thing. They were reminiscing by the pool yesterday and she started feeling like maybe he felt the same way. Anna says, in spite of what Jordan felt in her head, she knew he was married, and Jordan says, that’s why she asked to stop by Anna’s office. She wishes she could have settled the conflict between her head and her heart before she walked through the door. Anna says she knows where Jordan’s heart is. Where is her head at? Jordan says she’s not the kind of woman to get involved in someone else’s relationship. If she did, she couldn’t respect herself and it would mean she didn’t learn anything from the pain she felt when her marriage fell apart, and she did. Even if Portia is being petty, she could never do to Portia and her marriage what Portia did to hers.

Curtis says, all he can concentrate on right now is getting free of Drew and any leverage he has over Portia. Whatever’s happening between them is lower on the list. Portia says she needs him to move it up. She can’t sit in limbo forever, waiting for him to decide whether their marriage is worth fighting for. He says he understands, and she says, maybe he has a lot going on right now or maybe he’s not ready to fight for their marriage, but she is. He says, if they dive into this right here, right now, she’s not going to like what he has to say, and she says she may not like it, but she wants to hear it. She needs to hear it. He says, okay. He admits that Drew wouldn’t have gone after her had he and Drew not fallen out. She says she’s proud of him standing up to Drew and refusing to be taken advantage of, and he says, right. He appreciates that, but they wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for her lies. After everything that happened with Trina, she promised him that things would be different. She’d always tell him the truth. She knows better than anyone that secrets ruined his marriage to Jordan. Yet here they are, questioning their future together for the exact same reason. Portia hurt him and betrayed him. His mind is blown that she’d be so foolish to put their family in this situation again. She says, wow. She’s glad she’s finally hearing what he’s thinking. He was right. She didn’t like it, but she needed to hear it. Now he needs to hear what she has to say.

Sasha says, of course (🍷) she and Daisy are happy to have Cody and his friend as part of the family, and he says, good to hear, because it could go either way on any given day. But actually, this isn’t his friend. To be honest, he intercepted the delivery guy. There’s a card. Sasha reads: Wishing you and Daisy a life filled with love and happiness. Love, Mom and Dad. She says, it’s so sweet, but it’s a little weird to read mom and dad. Felicia asks if Robert and Holly mentioned anything about visiting, but Sasha says, not yet. But she’s bombarding them with photos and videos. Mostly Robert. She and Holly don’t communicate as much, but she wants Daisy to know both of her grandparents. They hear Daisy cry on the monitor, and Felicia asks if she can get her. Sasha says, sure, and Felicia leaves. Sasha asks if Cody wants to hold the baby, but he says, Daisy is still pretty new. Let her grandparents and cousins break her in before he attempts anything. She says, if he’s sure, and he says he is. She seems happy. She says she is, and he says, that wasn’t the most convincing response. She says, sorry. Everything is fine. He says he knows her. If it’s not, she has to tell him. Seriously, what’s wrong? She says she doesn’t know. Something really weird is going on around here and it has to do with Daisy.

Josslyn says, when Michael has a few hours to spare, they can go to lunch or something and she’ll fill him in on everything he missed when he was gone. He said they’ll definitely go, and she says, he’s definitely paying. He says he missed her, and she says she missed him. So did the kids. How is he doing back home with the kids living with him full time? He says he’s adjusting. They both love being a big brother and sister. She asks if they’re excited about the christening, and he says, yes, but he thinks they’re struggling, Wiley in particular. He asked if his mom would be there, and when he told Wiley, no, he could see the confusion all over his face. How were they having a big family event without mom being there? And it’s only going to get worse. Josslyn asks, why? and he says, because Willow and Drew are getting married.

Brook says she doesn’t understand why Natalia didn’t tell her the second she saw it, but Natalia says she wasn’t sure about it. When she was, in good conscience, she couldn’t move on and not tell Brook. Brook thanks her for telling the truth, unlike some other people in her life, and Natalia says she thinks her son probably had a little to do with her coming forward. Allison too. Brook says, how’s that? and Natalia says, when you have two kids who want to have nothing to do with you, you realize some pretty hard truths about yourself. Like maybe you need to be a better person or a better mom. She just made a lot of mistakes with Marco and Allison. She refused to see the way her children were living their lives as anything other than missed opportunities. She destroyed her family and it’s her own damn fault. Brook says, there’s still time to repair it, but Natalia says she wishes that were true, but there’s nothing left here anymore for her. A lot of pain and hurt, and she thinks Marco is better off without her here. He’s started a whole new life in Port Charles and that’s okay because she has her future wide open now waiting for her.

Sonny says, it must have been sent by a very thoughtful teammate, and Turner says, maybe, but she finds it awfully convenient that the day after they had a run-in at the park, a brand-new baseball glove appears at her door with no note, no return address, and no indication of whom it might be from. He says he doesn’t know what to tell her, and she says, only someone with expert help and motive could pull off a drop that clean. He asks if that’s all she’s got, a gut feeling and no evidence. Is that how she prosecutes all her cases? She says her instincts haven’t let her down yet, and he says, yet. That is the word that matters. She says, okay. Even if he didn’t send it, she can’t accept it. He can pass it along to one of his teammates. Kristina comes in and asks if Sonny is ready to go, when she sees Turner.  

Sasha tells Cody, Daisy is great, but there have been a few things… It started at the hospital when they brought her the wrong baby. They sorted it out, but it still shook her up pretty good. He says, of course (🍷) it did, and she says, then, the first night they were home, the mobile over the crib was spinning. She knows it was off when she left. Then yesterday, when she put Daisy in her crib, she was wearing a yellow onesie. When she went to check on her, not only was she in a pink onesie, she was facing in the other direction. He says, Daisy can’t move around like that yet, right? and she says, no, and she can’t change her own clothes. He says, good to know. The hospital is an easy explanation, but the other stuff, there’s Michael, the nannies, and Mama Q running around. Any one of them could have done it. She says she asked. No one touched anything. He asks if she’s sure. This place is kind of like Grand Central Station. Any number of people could have gone in there and run the mobile or moved Daisy. Unless… She says, unless what? and he asks if she thinks it’s a ghost. She says, no, but it’s really unsettling, and he says he knows, but he’s sure there’s an easy and corporeal explanation for it all. He knows what happened with Liam and knows the journey she was on to get here. She has a second chance at being a mother and he promises her baby will be okay. She asks how he knows, and he says, she’s got the best mom in the world. He thinks he knows and always knew.

Josslyn tells Michael that she guesses she shouldn’t be surprised. Willow and Drew are awful people, so now they’re doing an awful thing. Michael said he was blindsided by the news, and she says she bets. She was so hard on Willow when he was gone, and mom took on Drew. They didn’t actually get anywhere, but they got a lot off their chests. It was like some weird primal scream therapy. Michael laughs and says he’s glad something good came out of it. He’s trying his best to keep the hurt and anger over his marriage out of the equation altogether and focus on what’s good. She says, yes. That’s the right thing to do. The kids love their mom. He says, they want to see her, but Willow keeps choosing Drew over them. By agreeing to marry Drew, she’s making that choice permanent. She says, Willow is going to… Willow, but she’s caused enough drama. So please don’t let it darken what should be a special day.

Carly says she wants to doublecheck security and then she’ll be good, but Jason says he and Sonny took care of that. The church is secure and has been on lockdown ever since. She says she did see quite a few guards, and he says, there are quite a few she didn’t see, so everything’s going to run smooth today. She asks if he’s sure, and he says he’s positive. After the explosion at the penthouse and the attempt on Sonny’s life in LA… She says, both unsolved, by the way, and he says, but they’re on high alert, especially at events like this. If anyone even thinks of making a move, they’ll be stopped.

Turner says, good to see Kristina again. She hasn’t seen her since the trial. How is she? Kristina says she’s okay. It got little crazy at the end when the decision came in. Turner says she remembers, and Kristina says she never got the chance to properly thank Turner for all she did. So thank you. Turner says she was happy to do what she could. It’s her job to bring criminals to justice. It looks like they have somewhere to be. She hopes they have a wonderful rest of their day. Sonny says, her too, and she leaves. Kristina says, the acting DA pays Sonny a house call? Something is going on unrelated to softball. He says, there’s nothing going on. He promises. Could she do him a favor? He left Daisy’s gift in the kitchen. Can she get it and meet him back here? She goes to the kitchen and Sonny makes a call. He says, ADA Turner was here. She’s showing too much interest for his taste, so as far as Natalia goes, there’s a change of plans.  

Anna says, if Curtis is feeling the same way Jordan does and the same pull, she’s probably right, and Jordan says, maybe it’s like Anna said. Being connected the way they are, they’ll probably always feel something. She doesn’t want to think about what that means. Portia and Curtis’s future is unclear, but she knows the issue they’re dealing with is serious. Portia’s been dishonest and kept secrets from Curtis. Anna says, kind of sounds familiar. Would it be fair to say that she and Portia are now on an even playing field? Jordan tells Anna that she can certainly say Portia’s high horse is a lot lower these days, and Anna says she thinks Jordan needs to speak with Curtis, have a proper, honest conversation about all of this. Jordan says, maybe. Curtis is important to her, and she’ll always want him in her life, but the way things are going, she doesn’t know if she can be around him anymore.

Curtis tells Portia, if she’s got something to say, let’s hear it, and Portia says she knows a little something about being hurt and betrayed too. He keeps bringing up Trina and she could have sworn they dealt with that a long time ago. Yet here he is throwing it in her face again. He knows she kept Trina’s paternity a secret from him and Taggert to protect her. That’s why this whole thing with Drew started. She wanted to protect Trina from that lunatic Heather Webber and did what she had to, what she could do, to keep Heather in prison where she belonged. She’ll always do whatever it takes to protect their daughter. She knows he wants her to say she regrets everything, but she doesn’t. He says, at least she’s finally being honest, and she says she’s so tired of living in fear of his judgement, his impossibly high standards, and needing to be right every single time they talk. She’s terrified that she’s going to try her best, but never live up to his image of the perfect woman in his head. She’s a human being. She makes mistakes. Those mistakes shouldn’t cost their relationship. They should work on them and grow from them. That’s what marriage is. He says, secrets can’t be the way married couples solve their problems. He can’t keep secrets from her. She says he didn’t tell her that he and Michael were plotting against Drew. Like he said, that’s what he did that started all this and that’s the reason Drew is coming after her right now. Drew is trying to destroy her life and everything she’s worked for because she’s Curtis’s wife. A wife he’s not sure he wants anymore. He says he regrets every day what he started with Drew, but she says, keep the regrets. She wants some understanding. He says, she has it, and she asks why he feels like what he did is different than what she did. He says, there are differences, but she says, no. There’s hypocrisy and irony because she loves him for protecting their family by any means necessary, but when she does it, he uses it as an excuse to break up their family.  

Carly greets Michael with a hug and asks, where’s Daisy and the kids? He says, Kristina is supervising a photo shoot in the garden before the ceremony, and she says, good luck. She can’t imagine anyone in that group staying still for very long. Sonny says he’s surprised Jason got her to stay still, and she says, they were having a conversation about old times, like Michael’s christening, and how important it is for them all to be together and look out for each other. Sonny says, nothing is more important than family – the family you’re born into and the family you choose along the way. As they all know, family is forever.

Looking at her laptop, Natalia says, Sonny was right about one thing. Belize is gorgeous. Is that sand really that white? That’s crazy. There’s a knock at the door, and she opens it to Paul. She asks, what’s going on? She didn’t expect him until later. He says, everything is fine. There’s just been a change in her itinerary. She’s not leaving tonight. She’s leaving now. She asks where Sonny is, and he says, at his granddaughter’s christening. She says, if he’s taking the red eye, she’ll wait and take it with him, but he says, Sonny’s not going with her. She’s going alone.

Anna looks at some papers and makes a call to Turner. She says, Commissioner Devane. Something just landed on her desk, and they need to discuss it. She needs Turner here now.

Curtis says, Portia is right about protecting Trina, but they have different ideas about what that looks like and the consequences of their different ideas look different. She says she’s apologized over and over. At some point, he has to break down and tell her how to fix this. He says he’s not sure it can be fixed, and she says, so he’s saying this is it? This is how they end after everything they’ve been through together? She understands that he’d never do to her what she’s done to him, but she’d never make him feel the way he’s making her feel. She starts to cry, and he says, she’s hurting and in pain. She says, they love each other and brought each other so much joy and so much happiness, haven’t they? Let’s just get back to that. Just tell her what to do. How they can work through this together. Tell her there’s hope. He kisses her.

 Brook comes into the church and says she ran into Sasha and Daisy outside. That baby is delicious. Carly says she plans on spoiling Daisy every chance she gets, and Brook says she thinks there’s going to be a long line of people waiting to do just that. Carly says, the more love, the better, and Brook says, always. Carly says she needs to find Father Reyes and tell him this has to be perfect, and Michael says, or they could not pressure him and just see if he’s set up for the ceremony. Carly says, we’ll see, and they leave. Brook says, good thing they’re all in the church. The father is going to need all the help he can get. Chase says, so Corinthos and Scorpio. That’s unusual parenting. Felicia says, it is, but Robert seems very happy about it. He and Holly sent a gift to the house. Chase says he’s disappointed. He’d be interested to see Sonny, Mac, and Robert stand around the baptismal font. Felicia says, Mac and Robert can’t be here, so he’ll have to let his dream go. Brook says she wants to run something by Chase, and they go to a more private spot. He asks if she’s okay, but she says, no. She has no idea how to tell Maxie. He says, tell Maxie what? and she says, Deception might be in very serious trouble.

Sonny tells Jason that ADa Turner paid him a visit today. Her reason was innocent enough, but she’s more interested in him than he’d like. Jason says he doesn’t like that, and Sonny says him neither, but it made him think getting Natalia out of town sooner rather than later was the best thing. Jason says, he moved up her flight and Paul is picking her up as they speak, and Sonny says, the last thing they want is for her to run into Turner or anybody else. Jason says, Paul is taking her straight to the airport, and Sonny says, she’s going to be put on a plane and she’s going to Belize, and this can finally be over.

Natalia says, Sonny’s not coming? and Paul says, her name has always been the only one on the manifest, but Mr. Corinthos arranged for her travel, accommodations, and security. She says, but he didn’t arrange to get himself on the plane, and Paul says, he has no reason to need to accompany her. She says, okay. Then she needs like, an hour to pack. He says, that’s fine, but she needs to hurry. He’ll let Mr. Corinthos know her ETA. Paul leaves and she closes the door and cries. She says, Sonny’s not… So there’s not… a future. There’s no new life. Just the same one somewhere else. Did she just tell herself this story? I didn’t do it without your help. Sonny, you bastard. You don’t want anything to do… What happened to not abandoning her? She cries some more and says, he doesn’t want anything to do with her. He just wants her gone. She checks the hallway, grabs her purse, and leaves.

Portia is about to return Curtis’s kiss, when he lifts her onto the desk. They hear the door open and it’s Jordan.  

Brook tells Chase that Sonny’s second investment in Deception wasn’t clean, and he asks if that wasn’t Tracy’s concern all along. She says she’s aware, and he asks how she found out. She says she saw Natalia at the MetroCourt earlier… He says he can’t talk about this, and she says, why? What does he know?

Turner asks what Anna wants to discuss that’s so important Anna had to order her into the office, and Anna says, see that? showing her a folder. It landed on her desk. It was an accident. It was intended to go to Detective Chase. The same detective Turner assigned to a case that she and Detective Falconari were excluded from. Turner asks how much she read, and Anna says, enough to know this stops now. Turner says, really? and Anna says, Turner isn’t running an investigation through her department using her officers without her. Turner says, there are reasons Anna was excluded. First and foremost, she can’t count on Anna when it comes to dealing with Sonny Corinthos. Anna says, okay. If Turner doesn’t trust her, she doesn’t end run her. Take it to internal affairs. Turner says, maybe she will.

Brook says, Sasha and Josslyn are going to bring in Wiley and Amelia, and Carly asks if Sonny is good. He says, yes, he is. He loves moments like this. The whole family under the same roof. They just don’t get enough of them. She says, no, they don’t, when Natalia strides in. Carly asks Sonny why Natalia is here.

On Monday, Portia says Curtis may not see what’s going on here, but she certainly does; Lucas tells Marco that this may be the last chance he has to reach back; Natalia says Sonny is going to get what he deserves; and there’s an explosion.

General Hospital will not be airing a new episode on July 4th.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

First the sad stuff. This still upsets me to no end.

https://extratv.com/2025/06/25/slain-actor-johnny-wactor-s-mom-and-brother-attend-premiere-of-his-final-film-exclusive/

https://extratv.com/2025/06/09/first-look-at-johnny-wactor-s-final-film-ciao-mama-exclusive-trailer/

https://people.com/johnny-wactor-mom-gets-standing-ovation-premiere-of-actor-final-movie-one-year-after-death-11761541

I recognize him, but don’t remember him from GH. His character sounded like a good time though.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/joe-marinelli-general-hospital-and-santa-barbara-alum-has-passed-away-at-68/

Now fun stuff. Hmm… We know Britt’s coming back – I assume in a flashback – so why not? Although Obrecht is still alive, so why not?

https://parade.com/tv/general-hospital-star-67-keeps-fans-guessing-amid-return-rumors

A sign of the times. The only shocking thing to me is finding out there’s another soap character out there named Sonny.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/photos/pride-and-joy-the-romantic-and-dramatic-history-of-gay-weddings-on-daytime-soaps/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

The gay porn guests were still on board and Chef Anthony forgot one of them had a shellfish allergy. Fraser told the guest that it was his mistake, but in his interview, he said he was concerned since bringing on the chef had been his bright idea. Solène cleaned the bar without being told, and Rainbeau went out of her mind with joy. In Rainbeau’s interview, she thought it was kind of sad she was this excited, but it wasn’t long before she found a big mess Solène didn’t clean up. After she confronted Solène, Solène tried to bitch to Jess about it, but Jess wasn’t having it. The guests requested an S&M Venetian private club dinner, and Fraser was happy to oblige, insulting the guests without cracking a smile while serving dinner. The other staff, including Chef Anthony, played along, and a good time was had by all. After the guests left, Captain Kerry said he’d been impressed by everyone’s performances, but unfortunately, the tip didn’t reflect that. It was pathetic. Since there was a commercial, I figured he was doing that thing they do on American Idolwe’re so sorry to tell you… you’re going to Hollywood! But alas, that wasn’t the case. It was $19,990 or $1500 each. He gave them a dinner perk and some time off, and later, the crew lounged in the hot tub. Fraser kissed Damo after his boyfriend had specifically told him that kissing others was a no-no, but in his defense, it sounded like they never see each other, both of them being in the industry.

Next Gen NYC

So I guess 10K for an apartment is on the cheap side now? At least according to Ariana and Hudson who found one for that amount. Charlie said, with his dad, it was one big d*ck measuring contest. Well, it’s only a contest if you enter. He brought some friends to meet his dad and stepmother, probably to prove what an immeasurable d*ck his father is and that the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree. Georgia was dating a guy that sounded like her complete opposite, but he seemed cool and wanted to invest in her heart project. So kudos! One reviewer compared this show to NYC Prep, which I also loved, but this group seems a lot more mature. In thinking about it, it must be really weird to be related to someone on reality TV and probably being their kid is the worst. Georgia, the one native New Yorker, is the one feeling like the odd man out because she’s not there as a nepo baby.

The Valley

Jax needs to have some cheese with that whine. When he wasn’t listing the faults that he supposedly addressed in rehab, he was complaining about how Brittany and the rest of the world treated him. A group trip to Maui was planned, where Jesse intended to propose to Kristen, and at least Jax had the good sense to opt out. No doubt he wanted to party without eyes on him. Not that it mattered a whole lot. With him or without him, there are plenty of issues to go around. Everyone has beef with someone, but when they claim to want resolution by talking it out, the talks usually end up with screaming and/or crying.

Yeah. He doesn’t seem like the nicest guy. And what the blip is Scheana wearing?

Real Housewives of Miami

It never fails that I stop watching something, forget why I stopped, then remember after I watch again for a while. With this, it was the constant screaming matches during events. This time it was during a surprise wedding celebration Alexia was throwing for Marisol and new husband Steve, and between Julia and Gurdy. It doesn’t matter why. It’s always stupid stuff. I felt bad for Marisol though. She was like, hello? Can you deal with this another time and not at my wedding reception?

Random Reality Items

I’m not sure why she was concerned. I didn’t get the vibe she was the bad guy in the situation. Just the opposite.

Below Deck baby leaves the dock!

You, too, can live like the Countess.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem. Netflix. At the time, this guy was an endless source of amusement to me. It was like, what’s next? In watching  this, I could see why people wanted to keep him in office. He really did work for the people. Unfortunately, his extracurriculars got the better of him.

https://people.com/what-happened-to-toronto-mayor-rob-ford-11758556

Grenfell Uncovered. Netflix. Harrowing and upsetting doesn’t begin to cover it. A high-rise apartment building became a literal wall of flame in the blink of an eye because of the inappropriate materials used to build it. Fire freaks me out since it so easily becomes out of control. I can’t even imagine being trapped in an inferno like this.

https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a65170885/grenfell-uncovered-netflix-documentary-trending/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tv/article-14837965/Netflix-viewers-tears-Grenfell-Uncovered-documentary.html

The Ritual. Netflix. Nothing deep here. Sacrificial rituals aren’t my favorite sub-genre, but this is a fun watch. The monster has a slow reveal, but there’s plenty of action leading up to it.

No spoilers.

https://www.unilad.com/film-and-tv/netflix/netflix-horror-the-ritual-watch-creepy-861343-20240828

Lotsa spoilers.

The Fix. Amazon Prime. The air is unbreathable, but there are ways around it. You can wear a mask, but the more affluent can get a drug that combats the poisonous ozone. It can also have some crazy side effects. Apparently, there’s a limited supply, but the public doesn’t know it. Although it seemed like the head guy gave out an awful lot of it to those around him. Since it was something a little different, I didn’t hate it, but it wasn’t one of my favorites. IMO, the plot got more complicated than it needed to be, with unnecessary tributaries thrown in.

https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/prime-video/prime-video-just-got-an-overlooked-sci-fi-thriller-movie-thats-already-crashed-the-top-10-and-its-a-pleasant-surprise

Diary of the Dead. Amazon Prime. I kept missing this part of George Romero’s Living Dead manifesto, so this one’s a little old, but a zombie is a zombie and this delivered. One interesting tidbit was seeing Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead franchise) in the credits as Special Makeup Effects Producer.

Dead City finale. AMC+. Just when you think you’ve seen every way possible the dead can attack, they find something new. There was truly some phenomenal acting. While I’m sad to see this come to a close, I’m looking forward to Daryl Dixon’s next chapter. Spoilers, but come on, you haven’t seen this yet?

⚰️ Dead Of the Future…

Premieres September 7th.

https://ew.com/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-season-3-teaser-premiere-date-new-photos-11759045

🐙 Join the Game…

Squid Game is back in the house.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/squid-game-season-3-review-netflix

https://www.netflix.com/tudum/videos/watch-the-trailer-for-squid-game-season-3

🦈 Have a Bite…

Shark Week begins July 20th.

https://www.discovery.com/shark-week/shark-week-2025-kicks-off-july-20

https://people.com/shark-week-2025-how-to-watch-new-shows-11759071

🐶 Tails Of Surprise…

💍 If I tried this with one of my dogs, it would be chaos multiplied.

https://people.com/celebrity-dog-serves-as-ring-bearer-in-owners-wedding-exclusive-11762126

🐕 Who says cats are the only ones with more than one life?

https://people.com/dog-thought-dead-for-4-years-reunites-with-stunned-family-11760580

🐻 No doubt my dogs would take advantage of the open refrigerator.

https://people.com/small-senior-dog-scares-big-black-bear-out-home-video-11757704

🪽 I love an inter-species friendship.

https://people.com/woman-finds-comfort-in-friendship-between-pomeranian-and-pigeon-after-loss-of-daughter-11759276

🐳 Quotes of the Week

The only defense against the world is a thorough knowledge of it. – John Locke

A year from now you may wish you had started today. – Karen Lamb

Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work. – Chuck Close

You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space. – Johnny Cash

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. – Herman Melville

Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact. – William James

You’ll have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to. – Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), Good Will Hunting

I asked my dog what two minus two was. He said nothing. – I don’t remember where I heard this, but it’s pretty funny.

Happy Independence Day!

♨️ We Got Steam Heat…

Until next week, stay safe; stay behaving responsibly on Independence Day, aka the 4th of July; and stay working on your mistakes and growing from them.

January 10, 2025 – A Killer Is Revealed, Soap Suds, Reality Recaps, Weekend Watch, Award Corner, Great Moments In New Year’s Eve, Best Bowl, Cardinal Number Of Quotes & You

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

Monday through Thursday bites and whole enchilada Friday.

Monday:

Portia confirmed that Elizabeth was suspended and told Cyrus that he was no longer welcome at the hospital again. Trina helped Josslyn pack up Dex’s apartment. Jack was pissed at Colette because she was supposed to tail Valentin, not take a shot at him. He looked at the Rice Plaza footage and saw Cyrus stab Dex.

Michael filed for full custody after seeing that Willow was with Drew in DC. Willow told Drew that Michael was punishing her for being with him. Lucy welcomed Sidwell to Windymere after he bought Spoon Island. They flirted, had champagne, and she gave him some gifts, including her book. Both Laura and Willow separately talked to Martin, and Martin told Laura that Willow would have to be smarter if she wanted to keep her kids.

Carly was supposed to have dinner with Carly at the MetroCourt, but had to cancel. Jack ended up joining her instead. Sidwell literally skipped through the Windymere living room to the terrace and watched as Sonny’s penthouse exploded. Sonny and Jason were in the hallway, and the only one inside was Michael, who turned into a fireball.

Tuesday:

No soap, funeral.

https://abc7ny.com/post/general-hospital-new-episode-tuesday-preempted-abc-news-special-report-former-president-jimmy-carters-state-funeral/15765536/

Wednesday:

Drew and Willow got busy while Jason told Sonny to call 911 and smothered the fire on Michael with a blanket. After Michael got to the hospital, Isaiah worked on him with Lucas assisting.

Carly enjoyed her time at the MetroCourt with my husband… I mean, Jack.

Josslyn wanted to stay in the place her and Dex were happy, but Trina told her that she wasn’t just grieving; she was angry. After Trina left, Josslyn looked at Dex’s gun a lot. Curtis told Nina that taking Wiley over state lines was a federal crime. She wanted to bring Willow and Wiley home, but he advised against it.

Brook was upset because she wasn’t pregnant yet, even though she was doing all the right things, including eating pineapple which she didn’t like. (Who doesn’t like pineapple?) We found out Brook had been pregnant before and given the baby away. She thought God was punishing her, but Lois said, God didn’t work that way. Chase discussed things with Sasha, who told him that he and Brook should just relax.

Lucas told Carly, Sonny, and Jason that Michael had 3rd degree burns over 40% of his body. He was critical and they didn’t know if he would live. Nina called Willow with the news.  

Thursday:

Drew showed up at the hospital since he’s an idiot and a creeper. Curtis advised him to get lost. Martin wanted Willow to petition the court for sole custody, but she said, absolutely not. Diane advised Carly to get the kids away from Willow. Nina told Willow that she shouldn’t show up at the hospital, but she went anyway. She and Josslyn got into it.

Jason said the explosion was like nothing they’d ever seen, and Sonny said they had to find the culprit and stop them dead in their tracks. Anna and Chase investigated the penthouse. Anna called Jack to come and help. Jack said, the Bureau had come across the same type of incendiary device before and thought he could be of assistance. Sonny said they’d find who did this and retaliate, and Jason said he was all for that (me too), but he also wanted to get Danny out of the line of fire.

Sonny and Kristina had a father/daughter moment on the roof of GH. Molly showed up at the hospital to offer support. Carly prayed in the chapel that God spare her son. Drew walked in to give his sympathies, but she wasn’t having it. He whined about what he’d done for her, and she hit the nail on the head telling him that he had a hero complex.

Michael opened his eyes.

Friday…

On the roof at GH, Sonny looks up and tells Morgan that he’s worried. Can he watch over his brother? Please help him. Isaiah comes out and joins him.  

At Beradino’s, Alexis sees Ric and says, her bad day just got worse. He says, nice to see her too. Despite her many flaws, she has great taste in restaurants. We see Cyrus puttering around, and Alexis asks if Ric can eat somewhere else, but he says he’s meeting a client. However, if she feels compelled to leave, don’t let him stop her. He encourages it. He tells the hostess, Lansing, party of two.  

Lucy brings Sidwell to Bobbie’s and tells him that there are other charming spots, but for an authentic Port Charles meal, this is the spot. They have the best burgers, chili, and everything in between, but no matter what, always, always, always order the fries. He says he’ll remember that and tells her that her energy is contagious. She suggests having made such a charming new friend has made her happy, and he says he appreciates that. She says, now back to the tour. Bobbie’s is named after a special, dear friend of hers, the late Bobbie Spencer. He asks if she said Spencer, and she asks if he knows the Spencers. He says, no, but he’s sure they’re lovely people, and she says, unfortunately, Bobbie passed away not long ago. She was influential in the community. She was a nurse at GH, owned this place, and was a leader for charitable causes.

Colette asks if there’s any new business, and Jack says he just spoke to Anna. She asks if it was about Valentin, but he says, no. It was about the fire that put Michael Corinthos in the hospital. The WSB may bear some blame.

At the MetroCourt, Felicia says she’s glad she was available to take Maxie and Sasha to lunch, and Maxie asks to what they owe this unexpected treat. Felicia says she needed a break from the hospital stress, and Sasha says she can imagine. Felicia says she loves her job. It’s rewarding, but it’s also difficult and draining. She sees people during the hardest times in their life and it’s challenging. She witnesses their pain, not just the physical pain, but the emotional pain. Maxie says, the patients are lucky to have her and so are they, and Felicia says, sometimes it’s hard for her to leave work behind, especially if she knows the patient. Like now, with Michael Corinthos. Sasha asks, what happened with Michael?  

Portia tells Jason that Michael is in shock. He has severe burns, and the main issue is to manage his pain. He’s on the highest dose of morphine and they can’t bring him to full consciousness for too long. It’s too much. Jason says, Michael came to, and he’s sure Michael knew it was him, and Portia says, good. That’s a great sign. He’ll likely be heavily sedated or unconscious for the next few days and it’s absolutely the best thing for him right now.

Carly tells Drew that her son is upstairs in excruciating pain fighting for his life. Does that even matter to him? Drew says, she came at him when he was speaking the truth. She needs to go make a list of the things Sonny’s done to harm Michael, but he can see it on her face that she already knows. Does she have any regrets about way back when she decided to let Sonny raise Michael instead of AJ? Was it worth Michael’s life? She says, nothing is worth Michael’s life, and he says he knows she loves her son, but none of what she did was what was best for Michael. It was all about what she wanted.

Jack tells Colette that the incendiary device left almost zero evidence. It was a unique weapon like a device the WSB designed years ago. He knew what the hardware looked like even before Anna described it. Colette says, it’s highly classified, and he says, it was meant for Sonny, not his unfortunate son. They need to find out who wanted Sonny eliminated and had access to the weapon. She says, there could have been a security breach. Maybe the specs were leaked and sold to the highest bidder. He says he’s making it top priority, and she asks if it has anything to do with the Rice Plaza footage, but he says, that has to do with his other project.  

Willow tells Josslyn that no matter what’s happened between her and Michael, she loves him. He’s the father of her children and she’s praying he recovers quickly. Josslyn says, did she forget she cheated on Michael with his uncle, and they had sex in the nursery? How skeevy can you be? Nina joins them and says, that’s enough. Leave her daughter alone.

Sitting with Ric, Ava says, it’s not like she’s destitute. The gallery is doing well, and she had money of her own before she married Nikolas. She was planning on moving the gallery to a new location and purchased a building. She was going to renovate it and have it up and running before she sold the building the gallery is in now. He says, she’s paying for mortgages on two commercial properties? and she says, unless the divorce settlement money is returned to her, she’ll have to sell the building and finding a buyer won’t be easy. He says he’s sorry, but the only way she’ll see any of the money is if the estate grants it, and she says, by estate, he means Alexis. He says, as trustee, Alexis is the only one who has the power, and Ava says, the money isn’t even Alexis’s. It’s in trust for Ace. He says, until Ace is of age, Alexis can decide how it’s spent. Considering Ava was involved in Alexis’s disbarment and Kristina fell out Ava’s hotel room window causing the death of her baby, the chances of Alexis gifting her are pretty slim.

Diane joins Alexis and says she’s represented Michael’s family for most of his life. What happened is unimaginable. She can’t stop thinking about it. Alexis says, Michael has always been so good to her girls over the years. She respects him for that. Diane says, he’s a wonderful man, and Alexis says, Kristina adores him and she’s reeling. She’s had so much loss lately. Michael has to pull through. Cyrus listens in.

Felicia says she assumed they heard, and Sasha asks why Michael is in the hospital. Felicia says, there was a terrible accident at the penthouse. Michael is in the burn unit and in critical condition. Sasha says she needs to go see him, and Felicia says, of course (🍷). Maxie asks her to text or call if there’s an update, and as she leaves, Sasha says she will.

Sonny says he comes up here to think sometimes, and Isaiah says, it’s good for that. Sonny thanks Isaiah for everything he did for Michael when he brought Michael in, and Isaiah says, of course (🍷). He has a lot of experience with burn victims from his time in Africa and he’s glad to help. Sonny asks about the percentage of recovery and tells Isaiah to be straight with him. Isaiah says, it’s serious, but GH is doing everything in their power to treat Michael and alleviate the pain. How is Sonny feeling? All the stress could complicate his condition and possibly make it worse. Sonny thanks him for his concern, but says he can’t think about himself. Isaiah says he understands that Michael is the only thing on Sonny’s mind, but he has to take care of himself too. Sonny asks if Isaiah has kids, and Isaiah says, not that he’s aware of. (Ha-ha!) Sonny says, when he does, he’ll know the love for his kids can get him through anything.  

Carly tells Drew not to preach to her about selfishness. He had sex with Michael’s wife in the nursery where his daughter plays. Did he think about Michael? Or did Willow’s hero worship give him such a high that he couldn’t control it? Drew says she can’t understand his and Willow’s relationship. What’s between them is real. She asks if that’s what he tells himself, and he says, it’s more real than what they had. (Ugh. I hate people who argue like this. Like all of a sudden it was never a good relationship to begin with. It’s so immature.) Carly laughs and asks if that was supposed to hurt her. It didn’t. He had sex with her daughter-in-law, the mother of her grandchildren. Now she sees him for who he really is. He did her a huge favor when he dumped her. He says, good. He’s a lot happier away from her too. He walks out of the chapel. (Quick. Get that man a bonnet, diaper, and baby bottle.)

Colette asks about Jack accessing the Rice Plaza footage, and he says, Josslyn asked him to because she wants to find the person responsible for stabbing Dex. Thanks to the footage, now he knows who it is. She says, mystery solved, but to what end? He can’t use top secret footage to solve a civilian case. He says, of course (🍷) he can’t. But now that he knows who Josslyn is looking for, he can leave a trail of breadcrumbs and see how well she follows them.

Nina says, Josslyn has no right to speak to Willow that way. Her husband was just in a horrible accident. Josslyn says, Michael is her brother, and nothing she said was anything less than the truth. Was there anything Willow didn’t use Michael for? Nina says, Josslyn is just like her mother, and Josslyn says, thanks. She could say the same thing about Willow right now. Nina can’t stand to be called out on her crap. On the surface, they’re both so sweet and friendly, but underneath, they’re lying liars who lie. Stay the hell away from her brother. She walks away.  

Lucy says she and Sidwell had sort of discussed Mayor Laura Collins. She’s actually a former Spencer and has two Spencer children. Sidwell says, there are a lot of them in Port Charles, and she says, quite a few and very notable. He says, she knows everything and everyone in Port Charles really well, and she says, she seems to be doing all the talking. She knows she’s doing all the talking. He has to share something about himself. He says, she handled his purchase of Spoon Island skillfully. What else does she need to know? She says she hardly thinks the transfer of information captures a person. From what she read, he’s not currently married, but does he have a couple of former Mrs. Sidwells running about? What do she and Port Charles need to know about the newest resident? He laughs.

Maxie tells Felicia, it’s awful. Michael has always been good to her. She can’t imagine what the family is going through. Spinelli is going to be devastated and poor Jason. He’s got to be losing his mind. Felicia says, Michael’s injuries are severe, but it’s still possible for him to recover, and Maxie says she’s going to send every positive thought his way. Felicia says she hopes Sasha is okay. She seemed upset and stressed after she heard the news. (Well, of course. < 🍷>) Maxie says she knows Sasha and Michael were together at one point and stayed good friends, but her reaction did seem out of proportion. It’s probably pregnancy hormones. Felicia says she wants to tell Maxie how much she loves her, and Maxie says, why? Is there something wrong? Felicia says she’s fine. Don’t worry. Her work as a patient advocate has given her a new perspective. Working with people who are grieving and people in hospice who don’t have much time left, they all say the same thing over and over. Their biggest regret is not telling the people in their lives how much they love them. Her and Maxie’s relationship hasn’t always been easy, but she’s glad they’ve moved past it. She doesn’t want a day to go by that she doesn’t let Maxie know how much she loves her. Maxie says she loves Felicia too, and takes her hand.

Sasha looks into Michael’s room window and cries. Jason arrives, and she asks, what happened? All she heard was that there was an accident. He’s going to be okay, right? Jason says, they don’t know yet.

In the chapel, Carly says, please let Michael recover. He’s such a good man and has so much to live for and so many people who love him. Sonny comes in, and she asks if there’s an update. He says he went by Michael’s room to talk to Portia. Jason was with him and Michael woke up, but they had to sedate him because he’s in so much pain. Carly covers her face with her hands, and he says, the doctor said hopefully they’ll find out something soon. She asks how it happened, and Sonny says he doesn’t know any more than he did last night, but whoever planned this is after him.

Willow thanks Nina for defending her, and Nina says, Josslyn is a bully and a hypocrite. Don’t listen to a word she says. Willow says she thought that they’d come together to support Michael and the kids through this tragedy, but Nina says, Josslyn is a lot like her mother. Their first instinct is to lash out. No empathy, no compassion, just rage. Willow wonders if she can get some alone time with Carly, but Nina says she doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Willow says, they were close once. Carly walked her down the aisle when she married Michael. She cares… Nina says, cared, past tense, but Willow says she doesn’t know. Nina says, unfortunately, she does. Carly sent Diane and a social worker to the apartment and took custody of Wiley and Amelia. Willow says, how? and sees Drew come out of the elevator. She runs to him, throwing her arms around him. She says he has to help her. Carly has taken the kids. Drew looks at Nina.

Josslyn literally bumps into Jack at the hospital, and says, sorry. He says, it’s fine, and asks how Michael is. She says, the same. He’s in pain and it’s horrible. He says he’s very sorry, and she thanks him for bringing her to GH last night. He says he was glad to help, and she says she’s headed to grab some air. He says, before she goes, he has an update to share with her about who stabbed Dex.

Ava says, Ric is a fantastic lawyer. He got Heather Webber set free and got her cleared of any wrongdoing in Kristina’s accident. There’s got be something he can do. He was married to Alexis and knows her so well. He has to be able to use that to his advantage somehow.

Martin comes into the Baradino’s and says hello to Cyrus. Cyrus says he’s grateful Martin came to see him, and Martin says, that’s because when Cyrus calls, he picks up the phone. Cyrus should try it sometime instead of dodging his calls. Cyrus says he’s been doing the Lord’s work. The holiday season has been busy. He needed to see Martin because GH is trying to restrict his access to patients. Martin asks what that has to do with him, and Cyrus says he wants Martin to put a stop to it. His patients need him. Martin says, there are plenty of places Cyrus can do the Lord’s work if GH doesn’t want him there, and Cyrus says, if the law won’t help, the Lord will provide a path for him to continue his work. The Lord has ways the legal system knows nothing about. Diane comes by and asks if Martin has a moment to discuss the Corinthos custody case, and Martin says, when he’s done with his brother, they can have a chat. Cyrus says, it’s fine. They’re done. He’ll leave them to their business. He moves along with his non-Lord’s work.

Ric goes over to Alexis’s table and says, may I? He sits down, and she says, you may not. Seeing he’s not moving, she heaves a sigh.

Josslyn tells Jack that she wants to hear everything, but she’s confused. She thought there was no footage from Rice Plaza. Jack says, it’s true they have no footage, but he has a lot of resources. He called in a favor from the PCPD and got the witness list from Rice Plaza on the day of the assault. She says, that would help immensely, and he says he’ll forward it to her right now. She thanks him, and he says he suggests she speak to the witnesses. Ask questions and piece the scene together. Unless it’s too much for her to handle. Then she can always hire a private investigator. She says she’s going to do it herself. It’s what she owes Dex. She looks at her phone and says she received the list. She even knows some of the people. He says he hopes one leads to the answers she’s looking for, and she sees Felicia at the reception desk. She says she thinks she already knows where to start.

Carly says, Drew was just here and said what happened was her fault for bringing Sonny into Michael’s life, and Sonny says, Drew has no business judging her. Don’t listen to him. She made the best choice she could for Michael at the time. She tells him that he’s saying that with such confidence, and he says, it’s not like he doesn’t know the feeling. It’s not the first time he’s put Michael in danger or Michael has been fighting for his life because of what he does. He was supposed to protect him from all this. She says, he didn’t know what would happen, and he says, neither did she. She says she just wants Michael to be okay, and he says he does too.

Sasha tells Jason, it’s horrible to see Michael like this. She and Michael never had a real break-up. Everything that happened with Willow, Wiley, and Chase took their lives in different directions, but the love is still there. Jason says he gets it. Sometimes life doesn’t work the way we plan. She says, Michael stood by her when everyone else hated her. When her mother told her that Robert was her dad and she and Cody broke up, he found time to comfort her when his own marriage was falling apart. He’s such a good man. Jason says, the best, and Sasha looks in the window again and cries.

Willow asks how Carly can take the kids, and Nina says, Diane brought Chase and a social worker and this court order. She shows Willow the paperwork, and Willow says she thought even though Michael filed for divorce, they’d figure it out through mediation. Drew says he just had his head ripped off by Carly because she found out they spent the night together in DC. Clearly, she wants revenge. Willow says she can’t believe they’re talking about Carly taking revenge through her kids, and Drew says, it’s a valid order. Nina says, they need to petition the court for an emergency custody hearing, and Drew says he can call in a favor, but in the best case, it won’t happen until next week. Willow says she can’t be without her kids until next week. Michael will be in the hospital a long time and the kids will be scared without either of their parents. Nina says she understands what it’s like to be without your baby. There’s no worse feeling. But they can’t defy the court order. It will work against them in the long run and there’s no recourse at the moment. Drew says, maybe there is.

Sidwell tells Lucy that his last love left him feeling wounded. It seems she was using him to get her hands on inventory. Lucy says, that’s absolutely horrible, and he says, it’s a hazard of his profession. He doesn’t think she needs to hear more detail.  She says she loves details and nothing he could say would bore her. He says she’s too kind and he’s happy to repay her hospitality with lunch. And the knowledge she imparted about Port Charles will prove invaluable in helping him acclimate. She says, it’s been a pleasure. If there’s anything else he needs, don’t hesitate to ask. They clink coffee cups.

Diane asks Martin when she can expect a response to the divorce petition, and he says he assumed it would be put on pause after last night’s events. She says she understands, but unless instructed otherwise, she’s going to proceed with her client’s wishes. And if his client thinks she can be galivanting up on Capitol Hill with her son and her husband’s uncle, she needs to think again. He says, they’ll have to see how it shakes out at the custody hearing, and she says, or they can spare the upset if his client makes a compromise now. He says, a brave attempt. Now if she’ll excuse him, he thinks he should get back to his brother. He looks around, but Cyrus isn’t there.

Ric tells Alexis that the money belongs to Ava. She’s entitled to pain and suffering for the emotional duress she suffered when married to Nikolas. Alexis says she knows a thing or two about emotional duress having been married to Ric. Ava has mistaken her for an ATM. It’s not her money. She’s just the trustee. Ric says, she knows the Cassadine money ruins lives, like with Stephan and Nikolas. Even if Ava got all of what Nikolas gave her, Ace wouldn’t miss it. Alexis says, despite her reservations in giving it to Ace, Ava is not going to see a penny, and he says, if it was anybody but Ava, she’d be singing a different tune. She says she’d like him to leave. She enjoys the food here, and staring at him is making her lose her appetite. He leaves.

Carly tells Sonny, hindsight is a funny thing. You look back and see everything clearly and it’s easy to question your decisions. He says, they’re just torturing themselves here and can’t change the past. She says, it would be nice if they could. She was thinking about if she had to do it over, knowing what she knows, would she do it differently? He says, of all the wrong turns they made, there’s one thing they did right – their kids. Michael, Morgan, and Donna, they’re amazing kids. She says, Michael is special, and Sonny says, he is. She says, they have to present a united front. Their strength will be Michael’s strength. Sonny says he’s going to check on the doctors. They’re going to go through this. Hit it face on as a family. He takes her hand, and she says, yes.

Willow asks what other recourse she has, and Drew says, even though she filed for separation and Michael filed for divorce, they’re still legally husband and wife. If Michael made her his healthcare proxy, that’s still valid. She’s holding the cards. Michael is badly injured, a lot of decisions will need to be made about his healthcare, and Carly and Sonny think they’re in charge. Nina asks if he’s suggesting using the fact that Willow is Michael’s wife as a bargaining chip to get the kids back, and he says, exactly. She can deny Carly, Sonny, or anybody else access to Michael. Willow says she would never do that. Things weren’t great between her and Michael, but Michael is a good person and an amazing dad. Even after everyone saw the video, he let her take the kids so they could be with her. She’s not going to pay him back by keeping his family from him. Drew says, it’s Sonny and Carly that she’s up against, not Michael. Carly is angry about them being together, and it could be the only leverage she has to get her kids back.

Jason tells Sasha that Sonny and Carly are on their way back from the chapel and suggests he give her a ride home. She says she probably shouldn’t drive this upset and thanks him. They leave.

Sonny asks, how’s Michael? and Portia says, his condition remains the same. Carly asks if there are any long-term burn recovery units she recommends. They’d like to get him set up as soon as possible. Willow pops out and says, there’s nothing to worry about. She’s Michael’s wife and she’ll be making the decisions about his care. She’s the only one the doctors will be talking to. (Wow. She nasty.)

Felicia tells Josslyn that she’s sorry. That’s all she remembers. She wishes she was more help. Josslyn says, even small details matter in cases like this, and Felicia says she did tell Chase there was something weird that she can’t put her finger on. She’s done everything she can to remember why she feels that way, but it still escapes her. Josslyn says, if she recalls it from beginning to end, it might come back. She was at Rice Plaza, picking out a tree with Georgie and James. There were holiday lights and carolers, the college kids fighting before Dex and his partner ran them off. The elevator dings, and Felicia says she sees what it is. It’s the bell. Josslyn asks, what bell? and Felicia says, that’s what she was trying to remember. Cyrus was at Rice Plaza taking donations and he had a bell he was ringing the entire time. Jack listens from the other side of the desk, and Felicia says, when Dex was stabbed, there was no sound. Cyrus had stopped ringing the bell.  

We see slippered feet walk into Michael’s room and gloved hands closing the door and the blinds. Standing next to Michael’s bed, Cyrus says he knows Michael is in terrible pain, but it will soon be over. He’ll be at peace. God will call him home. He puts his hand on Michael’s forehead and says, may your soul be surrounded by divine light. He takes out a syringe and prepares it. He checks Michael’s IV bag, plunges the needle in, and we see that it’s digitalis.

On Monday, Tracy tells Cody that if he invests, that money will be gone; Laura says, Dante did the right thing by going after Lulu; Nina tells Sonny not to waste precious time on this fight; and Isaiah says, Michael will die either way.

I have to say, I didn’t see another digitalis death coming. As much as I hate all these characters being killed off, it is one hell of a storyline.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

This is just horrific. I had to turn off the news the first night. While I know I’d cry over losing my stuff too, if everyone and their pets gets out alive, that’s the most important thing.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/soap-stars-share-wildfire-updates

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/cameron-mathison-opens-up-about-losing-everything

They read the room.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/daytime-emmys/2025-daytime-emmy-awards-rescheduled-to-october

In happier news. Hopefully, this gets enough viewers to stay on the air. Many a decent show has been cancelled because it wasn’t given enough time to build up an audience.

https://ew.com/beyond-the-gates-trailer-first-black-daytime-soap-in-35-years-8762458

💊 A Dose Of Reality…

Here’s what happened all week on…

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Another group of demanding, immature guests, who were – of all people – drag queens, who I would expect more empathy from even on a superyacht. TBH, Cloyce’s consistent inconsistency leaves something to be desired, but they didn’t have to make fun of him. Shame on them!

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Love Boz and her boyfriend Keely. They seem like the perfect couple and it’s nice to watch. Erika and Dorit can both go pound sand. PK blindsided Dorit, saying he wanted a divorce during a 4-hour therapy session. Who has a 4-hour therapy session? I’d be done after 4 hours too. In an actual real non-screaming moment, Garcelle talked about the years she had to give Oliver tough love and how it killed her to not even let him in the house. She did it right though, because look at him now. That’s what reality TV should be about. Seeing the changes. Some of these women also need to get a vocabulary. Erika debuted her new single, Dominos, and it sounded like all her other singles. Like Jennifer said, it’s not going to win any awards for lyrics, but it’s catchy.

Real Housewives of New York City

While I do think Brynn has some good qualities, girlfriend needs to mature. She’s way too into stirring the pot and it’s not a good look. She picked on Jessel for having a penchant for glam. Really? Like she doesn’t?

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

I could barely sit through this. Meredith freaked out when she discovered out Britani was recording the back of a seat during a bus trip, screeching about how sneaky it was. I guess she forgot that Bravo recording them is actually the whole point and there are cameras on all the time. These women do nothing but find things to argue about, and they’re best response to an insult is, no, you. It didn’t sound any better when Heather had to explain what the word nefarious meant. Someone please get them a dictionary. They give me a headache. Except for Mary, who is still the MVP.

I also watched a little of Sold on SLC, and I think the crux of all their problems is the church. No judgement, to each his own, but if it isn’t lifting you up, get out. These people are all adults and feel they have to pretend to be a certain way just so they don’t get excommunicated. It’s doubtful they’re fooling anyone, so I’m guessing as long as they put their share into the collection plate or whatever, it’s all good. Seriously, if it’s making you hate yourself and everyone else, get out.

Southern Charm

Taylor’s picker still seems to be off, but hey, sometimes you need something in the moment that won’t be in your future. I’m more looking forward to next week when JT meets with Craig. Mostly because I want to see how JT makes an ass of himself this time.

This made me feel sad, but I get it.

Southern Hospitality

I still maintain that this show wants to be Vanderpump Rules 2.0, but misses it entirely. For every real moment, like the discussion between Michols and TJ about being gay in Charleston, there’s a ton of screaming, yelling, and heightened drama that belongs in a middle school.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

A Mother’s Instinct. I love the 60s time period, which is why I chose to watch this. But I stayed for the twisty-turny plot and the incredible acting.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mothers-instinct-neon-film-review-2024

Smile 2. I know a lot of people liked the first one, but I wasn’t one of them. It was okay, but I wasn’t thrilled with the ending. I’d seen the trailer for this when I saw Red One, and thought it looked promising. I was right. I actually thought this was better than the first one. This article pretty much sums up why. The costumes were also quite fabulous.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/i-watched-smile-2-i-need-to-talk-about-why-horrors-of-fake-smile-got-to-me

The Deliverance. More of a straight on horror film, based on so-called true events. Like both Lovecraft Country and Them, real life horror parallels supernatural horror. It was a captivating ride, capturing the truth of trying to escape poverty, along with the terror of living in a haunted house. Lee Daniels is a master and he snagged Glenn Close. It was definitely worth the time.

Nightbitch. I was looking forward to seeing this and it didn’t disappoint. You don’t need to be a mom to relate either. It gave me all the feels – it was funny, sad, poignant, and joyous. And there was an apology at the end that every man should watch. A bonus for me was seeing Jessica Harper, Janet from one of my favorite films, Richard O’Brien’s Shock Treatment. It was also nice to see an actress aging like a normal human.

🏆 And You Get an Award…

Golden Globe winners.

https://ew.com/2025-golden-globes-winners-full-list-8769343

Golden Globe fashion. Holy! Zendaya looks just like Elizabeth from GH.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/37442/2025-golden-globes-red-carpet-fashion

https://pagesix.com/2025/01/07/style/melissa-rivers-on-the-best-and-worst-golden-globes-2025-looks/

Awards to come. The SAG nominations.

https://ew.com/2025-sag-awards-nominations-full-list-8770586

🎉 Bravo For the New Year…

Including one of my all-time favorite New Year’s Eves – the night Giggy married Grandma Wrinkles.

🐕 Bowling For Pups…

Coming February 11th. Be there or be a cat.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/see/2025/get-ready-for-puppy-bowl-xxi-

🪂 Quotes of the Week

Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think that you’ve lost time. There is no short cutting to life. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time. – Asha Tyson

It’s never too late to never give up. – Pamela Anderson

Youth has no age. – Pablo Picasso

If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. – Milton Berle (Or kick one out.)

It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not. – Andre Gide

Things just tend to accumulate after Labor Day. What can I tell you?Little Edie Beale, Grey Gardens

My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference. – President Jimmy Carter

❄️ Kisses From Heaven…

Join me again next Friday for soap, recaps, what to watch (or not), and other entertainment nonsense. Until then, stay safe; stay helping a neighbor shovel after a snowstorm; and stay telling the people in your life how much you love them. Don’t let that be a regret.

January 3, 2025 – Sonny Makes a Request Of Jason, Soap Suds, Southern Talk, NJ Tirade, Hard To Do, Finished Watch, Coming Up, Holiday Hangover, Star Celebrations, Times Square, Piffle Clone, Ha-Ha, A Half-Dozen Quotes & Feeling

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

On Thursday:

Isaiah told Sonny that he has to see a cardiologist.

In Prague, the sniper shot through the café window, missing Valentin. Valentin grabbed Charlotte and took off, but when Lulu and Dante followed, all they found was Charlotte’s air tag in a nearby planter.

Michael told Sasha that he thought he and Willow were headed for divorce, and Sasha told Michael that she was pregnant, but she didn’t want him involved. Michael reluctantly agreed.

Drew talked Willow into coming to DC with him for his swearing in ceremony.

Alexis told Ava that the Cassadine money had really belonged to Spencer and now belonged to Ace.

Anna went to Jack’s hotel room, and he still insisted he had no information on Valentin. He got a call from Collette about Valentin escaping, and when he hung up, Anna tased him because she wanted his full attention. She told him that she knew he’d met Emma, and that Emma was off limits.

Moving on to Friday…

Prague, Czech Republic. Dante brings Lulu to her hotel room, and she tells him that he doesn’t have to stay. He escorted her back and she’s fine. He can go to his room. He says, so she can hit the streets as soon as he takes off? and she says she could promise that, but she’s not going to lie to him. He asks if she’s going to go to the town square and yell Charlotte’s name when she and Valentin are long gone. She says, thanks to him.

In a car parked somewhere, Charlotte asks if Valentin is sure he’s okay. He says he’s fine. How is she? She says she’s sorry. It’s all her fault.

Sasha comes into Michael’s office and says, she can go if he has something more important going on, but he says, nothing is more important, and asks her to have a seat. She sits, and he says he respects her decision to raise the baby alone, but he has to ask her to do something for him. Stay in Port Charles.

Nina goes to Curtis’s office and says she assumes he hasn’t spoken to Drew. He says, no and he doesn’t expect to. Nina says, he’s in Washington DC with her daughter.

At the penthouse, Isaiah advises Sonny to see Dr. Pasternak. His reputation as a cardiologist is excellent. Isaiah is still new to GH, but his referral should get Sonny in. Dr. Pasternak is usually booked up. Sonny says he’ll get checked out. Just so Isaiah knows, whoever he talks to needs to be discreet. Isaiah says, Sonny’s number one priority should be getting his heart looked at as soon as possible, when Jason comes in and says, good to see Isaish again.  

Lulu tells Dante that she promised to come alone. She kept her promise, but now she’s worried Charlotte thinks she’s a liar. Valentin certainly does. God only knows what he’s telling her. Charlotte hasn’t seen her in four years, and she’s been under the sole influence of her father. It was her one opportunity to regain Charlotte’s trust and Dante blew it to hell. Dante says he was trying to look out for her, and she says, did she ask him to? How did he find her anyway? He says he knows people, and she says, great. Just great. What gives him the right? She’s not lying helpless in a hospital bed. She doesn’t need a minder and he’s not her husband, but Charlotte is her daughter, and she’ll find Charlotte any way she damn well pleases.

Valentin says, none of this is Charlotte’s fault, but Charlotte says, he told her not to contact anyone back home. She texted Rocco and talked to her mom. She told her mom where they were. She did everything Valentin told her not to. Valentin says, her mother is awake after four years and Charlotte wanted to see her. It’s nobody’s fault. Charlotte says she was being stupid. When they were in the Christmas market, she saw families and thought it would be okay to text Merry Christmas to Rocco. Valentin says, she’s a fugitive because of the choices he made. She has to follow the rules to be safe on the run. She says she broke the rules, and he almost got killed. He says, she broke the rules because they’re not fair to her. What he’s asking her to do isn’t fair.  

Sasha tells Michael that part of her wants to stay. Even before she got pregnant, when she was pretending to be Nina’s daughter, she loved the fantasy of having a family. Now she has a family of her own and she’s starting to know them. She’d like the baby to know them too. He asks, what’s the problem? and she says, secrets have a way of coming out, so it’s best if she leaves Port Charles. She gets up, and he asks if it isn’t most important that the baby have a safe, stable life. It would be helpful to have family nearby, including himself. What about a medical crisis? Isn’t it better to have a support system in place? He won’t fight her on her decision. He’s just asking and he’s hoping she decides to stay.

Curtis says, Drew took Willow to his congressional swearing in? and Nina says, what could be more appropriate than Drew putting his hand on a Bible as Willow stares at him with stars in her eyes? Did she forget to mention that Willow brought Wiley? Drew couldn’t be more clear about his intentions. Curtis says, damn. What does Michael think? She says she doubts he knows yet, and Curtis says, she’s probably right. It’s a bold move to take Michael’s wife and son to his swearing in. He knows good and well that it’s a high-profile event and there will be press coverage. She says, what does he care if he blows up Willow’s life even more? She knows Curtis is the new CEO and understands he has more important things to worry about than Drew’s bad behavior. He says, Nina is still his friend. It’s not rocket science to know why she’s upset. Nina says, Drew will destroy Willow’s life. Willow doesn’t see what’s happening and Drew doesn’t care about the consequences. He’s not doing anything to protect Willow or her family. Curtis says, she’s not wrong. Drew will do what’s best for Drew. But they both know that’s not the only reason Nina is so upset.

Isaiah says he’s leaving, and Sonny thanks him for stopping by. He walks Isaiah to the door, and Isaiah leaves. Sonny says, Jason isn’t asking what’s wrong, and Jason says he figures Sonny will tell him if he wants him to know. Sonny says, something is wrong with his heart. He had an incident where his heart was racing and it didn’t slow down, but it passed. He had a twinge when he was with Kristina, but it passed, so he went to the gym and worked out. It felt like his chest was tightening like he never felt before and fell to his knees. He was trying to get his phone, when Dr. Gannon showed up. Jason says, good thing he was there. Sonny hasn’t gone to the hospital yet? Sonny says, no, and Jason says he can arrange for Sonny to go to a private out of state hospital, but Sonny says he thinks they’re overreacting. Isaiah gave him a prescription. Jason says, he can’t mess around with his heart. Isaiah isn’t a cardiologist. He needs to see a specialist. Sonny says he’ll see one eventually. This was a wake-up call, and he has to change how he runs the business.

Curtis says, Nina played a key role in Drew getting elected. Is any part of her pissed that it’s not her standing there? Nina says she wants no part of DC. Drew thinks he can do whatever he wants with whomever wants. She thought there was more to him than that. Curtis says, as did he. He considered Drew a good friend for a long time. He risked his life for Drew and now he’s had to reframe his perspective. Nina wonders what happened. Is Drew so slick he fooled them both or did he change? Curtis says, he definitely changed. He doesn’t know if it was prison or Drew becoming a politician. They can analyze it all night, but Drew is who he is now. The same man who’s willing to sleep with his nephew’s wife and throw him under the bus at Aurora. Nina says she’s sorry. Drew let them all down. Curtis says, he certainly did. Drew isn’t the man they thought he was and he’s going to deal with Drew the way he is now. He strongly suggests she do the same.

Sasha asks if Michael has thought about what happens with him and Willow if she stays. What if they decide to save their marriage? Michael tells her not to let him impact her decision. Let him worry about that. She says, and the Quartermaines. She’s already dreading telling them. They’ll all assume Cody is the father, and when she convinces them that he’s not, they’re going to wonder who is. What does she do? Lie and say it was some random guy she met in a bar? Tracy will love that. He says, it’s no one’s business. They’ll have to respect her privacy. She asks when the Quartermaines have respected privacy. She doesn’t know if she can keep working there and she can’t keep living there. He says, no problem. He can take care of that.

Valentin says, Charlotte admitted she contacted her mother. She trusted him with the truth. She says, because she loves him. She doesn’t want them to keep secrets from each other. He says, when she told him, he should have moved them to a new place, taken them underground. She asks why he didn’t, and he says he wanted this for her. They’ve been praying for this for years and he wanted her to see her mother. It’s his mistake believing Lulu would come alone. She asks if he thinks Lulu is responsible for this nightmare.

Dante asks if Lulu is hearing herself. She came to Prague to meet Charlotte and convince her to go home. Did she think Charlotte was going be ready with her passport? She says she doesn’t think Valentin would let Charlotte go around without proof of identification. She’s sure Charlotte had it with her. He asks if she was sure Valentin wasn’t watching them, but she says, it doesn’t matter. She was this close to Valentin letting Charlotte go with her. He asks what she’s basing that on, and she says, Valentin knew Charlotte was going to see her. Charlotte told him and he gave her permission. Dante says, because he wanted to look like the good guy, and Lulu would look like the bad guy trying to tear Charlotte away. He was manipulating them. Lulu says she was getting through to Valentin. He could see that her taking Charlotte home instead of her having a life on the run was the right thing to do. Dante says, Valentin was playing her.

Michael says, if Sasha doesn’t have the finances, he does, but she says, that’s a firm no. She intends to raise the baby on her own and she’s not asking him for a check. He says, she’s not asking; he’s offering. Before she says, no… She says she did, and he asks if she’ll reconsider. If she has money, it will mean a better life for the baby. She says she can and will raise the baby independently. She promises the baby will have a happy, healthy home and she’ll provide everything he or she needs. They’ll want for nothing, especially love. He says he believes her and in her, but if she finds herself needing anything, promise she’ll reach out. She thanks him and says she knows he means it. She’ll stay in Port Charles. He thanks her, and she says he makes some excellent points. He says, she’s a good negotiator, and she says she had inside information that she already knew the baby’s father is a great guy. He thanks her and she says if she had to get accidently pregnant, she’s glad it’s with him. He says, him too, and thanks her for staying.  

Nina says she sees who Drew is, but Willow doesn’t. She’s spellbound and doesn’t realize he’s responsible for blowing up her life. She’s falling for his act, his noble façade and longing looks, pretending he’s pining away for her. Please. If she only knew everything. He says, Nina could clear things up for Willow. There’s crucial information missing, but he’s sure Nina could provide something to make her see Drew more clearly.

Sonny says, there’s nothing like lying on the floor, helpless, thinking, what happens to his children if he dies? He thought it could be Nixon Falls all over again. Jason says, everyone thought Sonny was dead. He and Carly had to step up and take care of the business. Sonny says, Carly almost went to prison, and Jason says, it’s over. They managed. Right now, business should take a backseat, and Sonny should focus on his treatment. Sonny says he knows Jason can run the business short term, but he’s talking long term. They have to think about what’s coming.

Lulu says she doesn’t need to trust Valentin, and Dante asks if she thought Valentin would let her take off with Charlotte. The same guy who’s been fighting to keep Charlotte to himself for her whole life. She says, Valentin has changed, but Dante says, he hasn’t. She says, Dante didn’t hear him and didn’t see his face. He was a heartbeat away from letting her leave with Charlotte. He says, it’s lucky Charlotte didn’t watch her father die, and she says, the sniper followed Dante. Dante says, she doesn’t really believe that, does she? She was the one tearing through Europe, telling anyone who would listen that she was going after Valentin Cassadine. And she doesn’t think she was on anybody’s radar? The sniper hit five minutes after he got there. Does she think that was enough time for them to trail him, get in position, and take a shot? He’s sorry, but the sniper was following her.

Valentin says he doesn’t think Charlotte’s mother tried to kill him, and Charlotte asks if he’s sure. He says he thinks she’d enlist Dante’s help to get Charlotte back, but doesn’t think she’s responsible for the attempt on his life. He thinks she was followed. Charlotte asks how he knows, and he says, because it would hurt Charlotte, and that’s something Lulu would never do. But there are people who want to see her harmed. That’s why they have to keep running, to stay alive, but she doesn’t have to stay with him.

Sasha goes to the hospital and asks for an appointment with Dr. Navarro. The nurse at the reception desk asks if she’s been a patient, and Sasha says she was. Sasha Corbin. The nurse brings up her chart and says she can make an appointment, but needs to advise Sasha that there have been changes in the prenatal program since she was last here. The patient advocate can update her. Felicia comes by, and the nurse calls to her. Felicia asks if she can help Sasha, and Sasha says, yeah. She thinks Felicia can.

Nina asks how Curtis knows she and Drew were sleeping together. Did Drew tell him? He says, no. She just did. She told him that there could be more between her and Drew, and they’ve been spending more time together. It’s not a far jump. She says, they’re consenting adults and she has nothing to be ashamed of, but he tells her that he’s not saying she did. He’s saying the situation is layered. Drew bridged the gap between her and Willow. She asks if he’s saying she should be grateful that Drew brought them together and ignore that Drew blew up Willow’s married life. Does he think she’s an opportunist? Curtis says he’s not judging, but wants her to be realistic about herself and her daughter. She says, Willow wouldn’t be living with her if Drew hadn’t put it in motion. She thinks Willow is better off without Michael, but should absolutely not be with Drew. But she can’t make Willow see that. Curtis says he knows one way. Tell Willow the truth.

Lulu says, if Dante is convinced the sniper followed her, that means Valentin is being hunted with guns. Charlotte is in danger, and she has to save her. She heads for the door, but Dante stops her. She asks, what should she do, give up? Let Charlotte stay and hope they keep ahead of whoever wants Valentin dead? He says, no. He’s not telling her to give up. He’s saying, let the professionals handle it. She just got her life back and has a son who loves and misses her. She should be grateful for that right now. She says she is grateful. She loves Rocco, but she’s also Charlotte’s mother. Rocco is safe in Port Charles. She can’t stop until Charlotte is home and safe with him.  

Sonny tells Jason that he was five minutes away from going to prison. Jagger was threatening Kristina, and he was ready to confess to the whole shebang. Jason says, he didn’t, and Cates is no longer a problem. Sonny says, there are other problems. Who brought the gun to the PCPD that cleared Alexis of Cates’s murder? Who found his gun and turned it in and why? Jason says, it was too convenient, and Sonny says he just wants to know his children are taken care of. He gave Charlie’s to Kristina. Jason says he heard, and Sonny says, Alexis is worried that it will put Kristina in the spotlight, and it will be audited. Jason says, that’s going to happen. The coffee business gets audited all the time and they pass. And there’s no way Sonny would use his kids. Sonny says, the Feds don’t know that. He’s tired of being a burden to his kids. Jason says he doesn’t think Sonny’s kids think that. They love him and need him. Sonny says he knows. He thinks it’s time to take a step back and hand the business to Jason.  

Jason says, Sonny wants to hand the business to him? and Sonny says, there’s nobody else he trusts to maintain it. Jason has always been in his corner, and he could count on him. He appreciates that. Jason says he’ll always be loyal to Sonny and can be Sonny’s second. He can step up anytime and run the business on a short-term basis, but he’s sorry. He can’t take over the organization.

Felicia says, anything Sasha wants to discuss is protected by HIPPA, and Sasha says she appreciates that. She wants Felicia to know what’s going on. She’s pregnant. She adds quickly, Cody’s not the father, and Felicia says, good to know. How does she feel? Sasha says, nervous… excited. She’s moving forward with the pregnancy. Felicia asks if Sasha minds if she takes a few notes. She assumes Sasha is here because she wants to register for prenatal care. Will the father be involved? Sasha says she’s doing it all on her own, and Felicia says, okay. That’s perfectly fine. They usually access the father’s medical records, but that’s not always possible. The priority is to make sure Sasha feels cared for and she and her baby are supported.

Nina tells Curtis that she can’t just say she forgot to mention she and Drew are sleeping together, but Curtis says he’s sure she’ll find a tactful way. She says, no amount of tact will help her tell Willow that she and Drew are sleeping together while Willow follows him with stars in her eyes. What kills her is that she was so grateful to Drew for bringing her and Willow together, she didn’t see that Drew did it to make himself look good. Now he’s brazenly pursuing Willow and parading her around town, and there’s nothing she can do to stop it. Michael walks in and says, stop what? Nina says she’s not sure if Michael heard, but Willow brought Wiley to Drew’s swearing in ceremony. Willow thought it would be nice for Wiley to see the monuments and see how the political system works. Amelia is with the nanny and Nina is going home soon. Michael says, that’s fine. He wants to talk to Curtis about the projections and the Tokyo project when he has a minute. (I want to know what the Tokyo project is. They’ve talked about it enough.) Curtis says, sure, and Michael leaves. Nina says, that’s strange. He didn’t react at all to the news about Drew and Willow. Curtis says, that should concern her.

Lulu says, Dante is making this about her choosing between her children, but he says, not really. Charlotte chose Valentin, while for the last four years, Rocco has been by Lulu’s bedside willing her to wake up. When she did, she traveled halfway around the world to another continent. She says, to find Rocco’s sister and bring her home. Is he telling her that he wouldn’t do the exact same thing? He says he would, but not like this. Valentin is flying under the radar, but if she keeps chasing him, she’s going to bring attention to him, and it could cause Charlotte to get shot. She says, Charlotte was already shot, and it was kept from her. Valentin told her about Anna shooting Charlotte. Dante says, it was a horrible accident. Right now, it’s her choice to protect Charlotte and not bring her harm. She asks if he thinks she’d knowingly bring harm to Charlotte, and he says he doesn’t. He feels like she’s not hearing him. She traveled here with a sniper trailing her. She could have died. That’s what life is like in Valentin’s world. She says, all the more reason to get her daughter away, and he asks if she’s willing to risk her life. Her son lost her once. He’s not going to let Rocco lose her again.  

Valentin says he watched Charlotte with her mother. They both looked so happy. Charlotte says, it was weird at first, forced. It’s been so long since she’s seen Lulu awake. After they got going, it was great. They talked about Rocco, grandma, and the rest of the family. That’s what she thinks she misses the most, talking and spending time together. He says, she deserves moments like that. She doesn’t have to stay with him. She can go home to her mother.

Felicia says she’ll make sure Sasha gets an appointment with Dr. Navarro as soon as possible, and Sasha thanks her. Felicia says, no pressure, but Sasha should consider telling her parents. Robert is an excellent grandfather. Sasha says she’s not sure how her mother feels about being a grandmother, and Felicia says, Holly might surprise her. Sasha says she’ll think about it. They’ve got a lot on their plate. Maxie knows. She was the first person Sasha told. Felicia says she’s glad Sasha had someone to talk to. She knows Sasha said she wants to do this on her own,  but she has a family who loves her and they’re more than happy to support her. Speaking of which, she needs an emergency contact. Who should she put down? Sasha wonders if Maxie would do it, and Felicia says she’s sure Maxie would, but can’t speak for her. She’ll put herself down for now. Sasha says she likes that.  

Curtis tells Nina that his Aunt Stella says, still waters run deep. That’s Michael. Drew made a big mistake in making Michael the enemy. Nina says, Willow could be collateral damage if she stays close to Drew, and Curtis says, exactly. He knows Nina loves her daughter and she’s worried if she tells Willow the truth about her and Drew that she’ll lose her, but his advice is to come clean now. Secrets are ticking time bombs. The longer she lets it play out, the bigger the explosion will be.  

In his office, Michael looks at his phone. He sees a photo of Willow and Drew in The Invader. He calls Diane and says, Willow went to Washington DC with Drew and took Wiley without his permission. Can they use that?

Jason says, Sam’s death changed everything. Danny had a stable home with her and Dante. That’s not the case anymore. Sonny says, Jason is his only parent, and Jason says, Danny lost his mom and he’s putting Danny first. He deserves that and more, but on a practical level, that leaves Sonny without anyone to handle the organization. Sonny says, there’s nobody responsible enough for him to do that.

Valentin says he’ll put Charlotte on a flight back to Port Charles, but she can’t contact him. She says, if she’s with her mom, she’ll never see him, but if she’s with him, she’ll never see mom? He says, that appears to be the choice. He’s sorry. They both love her, but they have different situations. She says, her mom has Rocco, Dante, grandma, and so many others who love her. They only have each other. That’s how it’s been from the start. She wants to stay with him. He asks if she’s sure, and she says she is. He hugs her, and she says she can’t leave him. He says, okay then, and starts the car.

Lulu says she’s not going to agree to head back and let them handle it, and Dante says, that’s it? Nothing he said made a damn bit of difference. She says, it’s her life, and he says he gets that. It doesn’t matter who sacrificed theirs so she could have it. Sam died so she could have her life. She says, that’s not fair, and he says, she wants to talk fair? Sam is dead, his fiancé and the mother of two kids, the woman who helped him raise Rocco when Lulu couldn’t. She’s dead and Lulu is about to risk everything Sam saved. Her son is with her and she’s going to throw that away. She doesn’t care about any of it. Lulu says she’s grateful Sam died for her and she’s sorry about what he’s going through, but this is still her life. She makes her choices and she’s going to fight for her children. He says, anything she does will put Charlotte at risk or she can come home to the son who doesn’t matter so much to her anymore. He leaves, and Lulu throws a vase at the door and screams, dammit!

On Monday, Carly wonders if Willow has lost her mind; Willow is worried about Michael taking the kids from her; Portia tells Cyrus that he’s no longer welcome at the hospital; and Jack tells Collette that if Charlotte led them to Valentin once, she’ll do it again.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

He’s got some selfcare to do.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/chad-duell-reveals-why-he-left-general-hospital

This is a tease all right. He got headshots. So he has an audition?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/michael-easton-teases-his-new-project

Farewell to the first Carmine.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-alum-john-capodice-dead-at-83

How they celebrated.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/see-how-your-favorite-soap-stars-celebrated-new-years

🧵 Sew Charming…

This week’s recap. Patricia looks amazing for 108. Her age words, not mine. She also looks amazing for 83, her real age.

Here’s hoping Craig doesn’t regress. He’s kind of been the voice of reason since Paige came along.

👠 A Celebrity In Her Own Mind…

This woman is the worst.

😢 Sniff…

I’m sorry to hear this. They seemed like a great couple.

https://people.com/trixie-mattel-david-silver-break-up-after-8-years-dating-8679753

👀 Last Night’s Watch…

I finished this last night and now I’ve started on the book. It started slow, but once it picked up speed, I was all in, and it didn’t disappoint. I love an apocalypse.

https://www.pajiba.com/tv_reviews/mgms-earth-abides-is-a-quietly-compelling-take-on-rebuilding-humanity-from-scratch.php

💻 What’s To Come…

What’s new for 2025.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/2025-new-tv-shows

🎅 Christmas Leftovers…

Amazing winter photos.

https://www.discovery.com/nature/get-in-the-holiday-spirit-in-this-winter-waterland-pictures

Christmas traditions all over the world.

https://www.discovery.com/exploration/6-global-christmas-traditions-pictures

Visit Santa’s hometown.

https://www.discovery.com/exploration/visit-santa-s-hometown-in-finnish-lapland

🎉 How They Rang It In…

How the stars celebrated New Year’s Eve.

https://extratv.com/photos/image_jpg_20250102_b4a16a250c4a49fd99dc3fbe49873fb6/

https://people.com/best-photos-stars-celebrating-new-year-2025-8767787

🗽 Having a Ball…

Waiting for the drop.

What happens in Times Square stays in The Post.

https://nypost.com/2024/12/31/world-news/new-years-2025-live-updates-photos-from-nyc-around-the-world/

🐶 Piffles All Over Again…

While it might not exactly be the same dog, it’s still amazing.

https://ew.com/queer-eye-dog-mr-piffles-cloned-by-magician-owner-piff-the-magic-dragon-8767593

My Cuddle Clone of Ralph

🃏 A Joke…

What does a polar bear eat after the dentist fixes his tooth?

The dentist.

🔊 Quotes of the Week

A good education is not so much one which prepares a man to succeed in the world, as one which enables him to sustain a failure. – Bernard Iddings Bell

You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins. – Jim Stovall

Those aren’t glasses. They’re aquariums with stems. – Molly (Melissa McCarthy), Mike & Molly

You are always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past. – Richard Bach

Love what you have. Need what you want. Accept what you receive. Give what you can. Always remember, what goes around, comes around. – Unknown

Understudies are the substitute teachers of the theatre world. – Kramer (Michael Richards), Seinfeld

📆 Turning the Page…

Join me next Friday for soap and what to watch (or not). Until then, stay safe; stay leaving the problems of 2024 behind; and stay remembering that secrets are ticking time bombs. The longer you let them play out, the bigger the explosion will be.

December 26, 2024 – Christmas Day In Port Charles, Her Blessing, Celebrations, New Squid, Ugly Sweaters, Movie Memories, More Celebrating, Odd Sights & Just You

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Everyone is thrilled to see Emma, who says she wants to get to know her new Aunt Sasha. Felicia asks how long she’s here for, but Emma says, it’s not a visit. She’s staying. She transferred to PCU and she’s moving into the dorm in three weeks. Anna wonders why Robin didn’t say anything, and Emma says she wanted it to be a surprise.

Brook hands Chase a gift bag and says she has one more and she can’t wait for him to open it. He takes out a pregnancy test, and she says, merry Christmas (🎄). She’s late.

Jack says, the Goddess of War has been defeated at last, and Josslyn says, that’s because he cheated. He insists he didn’t, but she says, he must have since he works in espionage. On the side, Carly says she knows Jason hates Jack, but he took Josslyn’s mind off of things. Jason says he still doesn’t trust Jack, and Jack asks Josslyn for a rematch. She asks for a raincheck, and he says, absolutely yes, for her. She goes upstairs, and Jack tells Carly that he won fair and square. Jason walks away, and Carly thanks Jack for distracting Josslyn. He says, she’s got a competitive streak, but he has no idea where she gets it from. He wanted to use that to get her mind off things. Carly says, losing Dex so suddenly and senselessly was too much.

Nina wonders if this nightmare will never end, and Ava says, Drew will be gone in a few minutes. Willow comes out with Drew and says she asked him to stay, when there’s a knock at the door. It’s Lucas, and Ava asks if he was searching the city for his favorite aunt, but he says he’s here for Willow.

At Rice Plaza, Kristina says she was hoping to say hello to Lulu, but Laura says, she’s at the Quartermaines. She wanted to be with Rocco and Dante on Christmas morning. Sonny says, it’s all Rocco wanted for Christmas, to get his mother back. He got his wish. Laura says, now all they have to do is bring Charlotte home and all will be right with the world.

In the nook, Dante says, Rocco’s mother will be here at the crack of dawn, and Rocco says, it’s a big day. Dante says, they’ve been waiting four years. He can’t imagine what she’s thinking.

At the airport, an announcement says, the flight to Prague will be boarding shortly and will arrive around noon Prague time. Lulu sends a text to Charlotte: Text me the name of the café, I can’t wait to see you.

Lucas says he’s here about Wiley, and Willow says, Wiley is sleeping. Lucas says, it’s Christmas Eve. Wiley should be home. Willow says, Michael will see the children on Christmas morning, when Drew comes out. Willow says, clearly, Lucas heard she and Michael are having difficulties. She’s staying here for a while. Lucas says, she must understand his concern, but Nina says, there’s no reason to be concerned. The children are with their mother. Ava asks what Lucas wants, and Lucas says he wants to remind Willow that he didn’t rip out his heart and let Wiley go without a fight so she could take him away from his father.

Jason asks how Michael is holding up, and Michael says he misses Willow and the kids and the life he thought they had. He’s starting to realize that life is gone forever.

Josslyn says, her mom told her that Jack helped bring Lucky home, but not how, and Jack says, the how is highly classified. Carly says she was impressed at how clear the footage was, and Josslyn asks if she was there. Jack says, hypothetically, that would be against protocol, and Carly says, so would watching Lucky, Holly, Anna, and Jason escape Sidwell’s compound.

Emma says she thought Anna would be happy, and Anna says she is. She’s just surprised. Mission accomplished. They hug, and Anna asks, what happened to Emma’s incredible internship? Emma says, it wasn’t as incredible as she’d hoped, and Maxie says, Emma is over the west coast. Emma says, Maxie’s got her, and Anna says she’s surprised Robin didn’t say she’d transferred to PCU. Emma says, that’s because all they’re talking about is their new aunt. Before that, Cousin Cody was all the rage. One surprise after another. Sasha really didn’t know Robert was her dad? Sasha says, no, and Emma says, and he took off with Holly? That’s rude. Sasha says, it’s par for the course that comes with her mom, but she’s glad Robert is with her. Emma says, but they left Sasha alone, and Felicia says, no. She’s got them.

Sonny asks if Laura has had any luck locating Valentin and Charlotte, but Laura says, not yet. It’s been hard on Lulu. Sonny says, if there’s anything he can do… She thanks him and says her work here is done. She’s got to get going. Sonny thanks her, and she says, merry Christmas (🎄). He says, merry Christmas (🎄), and they hug. Laura leaves, and Sonny goes over to Kristina, who’s looking at the tree. She says, when she was little, the tree was magic. It was so big and beautiful. She was afraid she would feel nothing after all she’s been through and just be empty. He says, was she? but she says, no. She still feels the same sense of wonder and hope even, thanks to him. Merry Christmas (🎄). He says, merry Christmas (🎄).

Josslyn says, it’s amazing how the WSB located Sidwell’s compound, but Jack says, his strip-mining operation leaves a huge nasty footprint. She asks if it’s MTR. Mountain top removal mining is extremely devastating. Jack wonders how she knows about it, and she says she’s an environmental science major. He asks what she’s going to do when she finishes, and she tells him that she used to say she was going to try and help save the world, but it seems naïve now.

Michael says he should have taken Jason’s advice, walked out of the Brown Dog Bar, and told Willow everything. He slept with Sasha and unfortunately both of them cheated, but he wasn’t ready to give up on the marriage. Now it’s too late. Jason says, it isn’t all on him and Willow. Drew bears some blame. Michael says, Willow doesn’t see it that way. She looks at him as the bad guy and that hurts the most.

Laura goes to the Quartermaines and says, Lulu left her gloves, so she thought she’d drop them off. Where is she? Dante says he thought Lulu was with her, but Laura says, Lulu texted her that she was going to stay the night with Rocco. Dante says, Lulu texted him that she was spending Christmas Eve with Laura, so he doesn’t know what she’s up to.  

Lulu takes out a book while she waits, and sitting near her, Colette says she hasn’t seen a guidebook in ages. Lulu says she’s old school, when her phone rings, but she ignores the call. Collette asks if Lulu has been to Prague before, but Lulu says, it’s her first time. Colette says, with all the Christmas decorations, it’s like traveling back in time, and Lulu says, wouldn’t that be great?

Anna says she should call Emma’s mom to let her know Emma is here, but Emma says she just got off the phone with her. She asks if it’s true that Sasha was dating Cody, and Maxie says, when they found out they were cousins, they broke up. Emma says, that’s rough, and Sasha says, it’s taken some getting used to. Felicia asks Emma to fill them in on what she’s been up to, and Emma says, school, but what she wants to know is, what it’s like to be a model.

Brook asks how long they have to wait, and Chase says, three minutes. She says, it’s the longest three minutes of her life. Distract her. He kisses her and asks if she feels different. She says, yes… no… She doesn’t know. He says, it’s not like she’s been pregnant before. Next year, they could be celebrating their baby’s first Christmas. He can’t wait to see life through their child’s eyes. He wants a lot of kids, but the first one is special.

The alarm goes off, and Chase says, ready? Brook looks at the test and says, negative. She’s not pregnant. He hugs her and says, they’ll keep trying.

Nina says, Lucas’s concern is admirable, but he did give Wiley up. Lucas says he raised Wiley for the first two years and loves Wiley like his own. Willow says she loves Wiley too, and Lucas says he gave Wiley to Michael because he belongs with Michael. She says, but not her because she’s not his biological mom. Lucas is adopted. Did his father love him less? He says he’s not questioning Willow’s love; he’s questioning her actions. She says she knows he loves Wiley, but she’s doing what’s best for her children, and he asks how sleeping with Michael’s uncle is what’s best. Drew says, he’s out of line, but Willow says she can speak for herself. She and Drew developed feelings for each other, but they didn’t want to hurt anyone. Lucas says, but they took action that did. Their emotions don’t excuse their absence of integrity. Willow says, they didn’t mean for this to happen, but Lucas says, of course (🍷) they did.

Josslyn wonders what she could do to save the world. Dex tried and look what happened. Carly says, Dex’s time was cut short, but he changed people’s lives for the better, and Josslyn says, he died from a senseless act of violence. Jack says, in the grand scheme of things, if you help an old lady or save a kitten, the world seems the same after the rescue, but it’s not the same for the old lady or the kitten. One person can make a difference. The right push in the right place at the right time can have a huge effect on a person’s future or a country’s future. Sometimes the whole world’s future. Josslyn says she’s not so sure, and Jack says, the ancient Greeks believed the world rested on Atlas’s shoulders. They weren’t totally wrong. Everyone plays a part in holding up the world.

Sonny asks if Kristina is okay, and she says she is. It’s rare these days. He says he heard she took photos at Charlie’s. Any thoughts on how she wants it changed? She says he didn’t have to give her Charlie’s to cheer her up, but he says he wanted it to stay in the family. She says she’s honored that he asked her to run it. She hopes she’s up for the job. He says he doesn’t want to and won’t push her, but he thinks… he knows she’ll do great things with the place.

Laura says her calls are going to voicemail, and Dante says, that can only mean one thing. Lulu went to find Charlotte. Laura says she has no idea where Charlotte is, but Rocco says, Lulu knows where to look. Charlotte called him on Christmas Eve. Dante asks why he didn’t say anything, and Rocco says, mom asked him not to. Dante says, start at the beginning, and Rocco says he got random texts from a European phone and Charlotte called to wish him a merry Christmas (🎄). He sent her a photo of her mom and she called. Mom talked to her. Laura asks where she is, but Rocco tells her, she didn’t say. She was worried she’d get her dad in trouble. The only way she would see Lulu is if Lulu promised to come alone.

Lucas says, Drew and Willow chose to sleep with each other, and Drew says, it was a difficult time. Sam… Lucas says, don’t use his sister’s death to justify sleeping with his nephew’s wife, and Nina says, the child he claims to be worried about is sleeping in the next room. Willow says, he has no right to judge her, and he says he knows the pain of being separated from a child you love. Don’t make Michael go through that again. Willow asks if he’s comparing her to Nelle, who convinced Lucas’s husband to swap her dead child for Wiley. They’re done. Nina tells Lucas to get out, and Lucas tells them to think about what he said. He leaves and Ava goes out with him. Nina says, this proves they can’t sit back and think everything will be okay. They need to go on the offensive if Willow wants to keep her children.

Michael says, Willow wouldn’t have taken the kids if she wanted to work things out, and Jason asks what he thinks she wants. Michael says, she wants a hero and it’s not him, and Jason says, it’s not Drew. Michael says, Willow thinks it is. Drew risked his life to bring Liesl Obrecht home so Willow could get a blood transfusion. He literally saved her life, but he wanted more than gratitude. He made her spokeswoman for organ donations, so she felt valued, and it made Drew look like a hero. Jason says, Drew is slimy, that’s for sure, and Michael says, Drew ran for office so he could work for the public good and Willow ate it up. Jason asks what he wants to do, and Michael says he doesn’t want to punish Willow. If Drew is who she wants, then maybe he should let her go.

Brook says she’s sorry. She doesn’t understand why she can’t get pregnant. Chase says, some women take longer to conceive, and she says she’s been doing everything possible. He says, maybe that’s the problem.

Emma says, so Sasha was raised by Holly’s mom, and on the side, Felicia says, it looks like Sasha has a fan. Maxie says, Emma is asking a lot of questions, and Felicia says, because she doesn’t want to answer any questions herself. Maxie says she wants to know about Emma’s real life. (It doesn’t come across in the words, but it’s obvious Emma is avoiding talking about herself and doesn’t want Anna to talk to Robin.)

Dante says, a European number, and Laura says, there’s only one way to get there. Dante says he knows someone at the TSA. He’ll find out if they see Lulu’s name and where she’s headed. Laura says, even if he catches her, he may not be able to stop her. He says he doesn’t want to stop her, but he doesn’t want her to go after Valentin on her own. Rocco says he’s sorry he didn’t say something sooner, but Dante says, it’s okay. Rocco says, he’s not mad? and Dante says, no. He’ll let them know what he finds out. He leaves, and Rocco says, his mom is going to be okay, isn’t she?

Josslyn says, Jack is involved with spies and shadow government. Why does he believe them all coming together would make the world a better place? Jack says he can’t do everything himself, when his phone rings. He steps away to take the call and Carly takes Josslyn’s hand.

In the foyer, Jack says, status? and Colette says she made contact. She followed Lulu from Rice Plaza to the airport and she’s on the same flight. He asks where they’re headed, and she says, Prague. He says, Lulu will lead them straight to Valentin, and Colette says she’ll be there. He tells her to call when she is.

Kristina tells Sonny that she watched the Nurses Ball when he sang with Grandpa Mike. She wept in public. (We all did.) He says, one thing about his dad that was real, he always loved him. Kristina says, his dad loved him too, and Sonny says he never wants his kids to question how he feels. His kids are important to him and a big part of his life. Kristina puts her head on his shoulder, and he says he’ll always be in her corner.

Brook asks if Chase is saying he wants to stop trying, but Chase says, absolutely not. But he’s read that too much pressure can make more of a difference. They need to relax and let nature take its course. She says she still wants to take a test to make sure, and he says him too, so they have all the facts. He knows in his heart that she was meant to be a mother.

Emma says, the cookies are amazing, and Felicia says, Sasha made them. Emma asks if she can have the recipe, and Sasha suggests they make them together. Emma wonders how Sasha makes all the meals for the Quartermaines, and Anna says she’d rather diffuse a bomb than make a meal. (Me too!) Felicia says, one time, she diffused a bomb while making a three-course dinner, but Anna says, that didn’t happen. Sasha says, the Quartermaines are a close family, and Emma says, like snakes in a pit. Sasha agrees they’re at each other’s throats, but at the end of the day, they support one another. Felicia says, that’s the great thing about family. They accept you, warts and all.

Rocco says, maybe he should have tried to stop his mom, but Laura says, once she heard Charlotte’s voice, nothing would stop her. He says he knows she’s happy, but she won’t really be okay until Charlotte is home. Laura asks if he’s okay, and he says he misses his sister, but he hopes his dad gets to his mom in time. He doesn’t know what he’d do if anything happened to her. Laura hugs him.

Jack sees Josslyn sitting with her head on Carly’s shoulder and says, that’s his cue. Josslyn says she hasn’t been sleeping well. She’s going upstairs. She enjoyed talking with him. Jack says he enjoyed talking to her too, and they wish each other a merry Christmas (🎄). Josslyn leaves, and Jack tells Carly that he had a lovely evening. He’s glad he ran into her. She says she’s glad she ran into him too.

Jason says he can’t tell Michael what to do, but Michael says he might actually listen. Jason says he’d fight for what he wants, and Michael says, even if Willow is happy. Jason says, Michael doesn’t know that, and he doesn’t think Willow does either. There’s more than one kind of hero. Michael needs to step up and find the good woman who took his kids and left. It’s sad that Willow doesn’t see the good man she has instead of being deceived, Drew not only betrayed Michael’s trust, he betrayed Willow’s. Unfortunately, she’ll have to see that for herself.

Willow says she doesn’t want the kids in a nasty custody battle, but Nina says, the Quartermaines will inevitably battle. Drew says, Willow’s got to protect herself, and Nina says, they’ll make her out as the villain, but only if she lets them. Drew says he’ll be by her side. She’s got to get tough. Nina says she’ll be there too. No one is going to take away Willow’s children.

In Rice Plaza, Ava says, obviously, Lucas loves Wiley. She remembers how hard it was when Lucas gave him back to Michael. She understands that kind of loss. She didn’t think she’d survive losing Kiki. She’s not sure she has. Lucas says he’s so sorry, and she says, the Jeromes are tough. He says, the Jeromes are also their own worst enemy. When he went to fight for Wiley, he thinks he just made things worse. He doesn’t get it. Willow gave up her son to protect Shiloh and she seems ready to corner Michael. Ava says, she sees Drew through rose colored glasses. She hopes Willow comes to her senses. He says, Michael shouldn’t have to lose his kids, and she says she and Sonny have been fighting about Avery from the day she was born. Nobody should have to go through that. He says, even Michael? And she says she knows what it’s like to lose a child and knows what it’s like to fight for one.

Brook says she ruined Christmas, but Chase says, she shared so much. And she’s the person he shares with. She says she loves him so much, and he says he loves her too. As much as he wants to have kids, he’s enjoying having her all to himself. They kiss.

Outside, Carly thanks Jack for spending time with Josslyn, and he says, she’s easy to talk to. She says, he took her seriously, and he says, she’s a formidable young woman. He’d never underestimate her or her mother. She thanks him, and he says, she gave him a place on Christmas. One kindness deserves another. She says, he’s been kind to her all year, and he says, that’s what he keeps telling her. Merry Christmas (🎄). She tells him, merry Christmas (🎄), and he leaves. She looks up as snow starts to fall.

Kristina says she never would have made it through this year without Sonny, but he says, she’s stronger than she knows. She says, because of him and mom. She was dreading Christmas, but they got her through. He says he loves her and she says she loves him too. They wish each other a merry Christmas (🎄), and Kristina goes to bed. Sonny looks out at the snow and smiles. He turns off the light and suddenly puts his hand to his chest.

Felicia says she can’t believe Robin didn’t tell Anna about Emma, and Anna says her too. Emma says she’ll come by to say hi to the others in the morning, and hugs everyone. She and Anna leave, and Felicia says she’s got to get going too. She just has to pry Mac away from the kids. Maxie asks if she means Spinelli and Cody, and Felicia says, yes. She goes to get Mac, and Sasha says, it’s nice to be part of a big family. Maxie says she was hoping Sasha would share the news about the baby, but Sasha says, Emma showed up. Maxie says, and weirdly interrogated her, and Sasha says, plus Cody was here. There’s a decision she needs to make before she tells anyone.

Michael says he wants his family back. He hopes Willow is willing to try and make their marriage work. Jason says, if she isn’t? and Michael says then he doesn’t want to hurt her. But if they can’t make this thing work, he’s going to fight for his kids.

Drew promises it will be okay, and Nina says she’s going to check on the kids. Willow says, it’s her life that people will now be judging. He says, she can’t let it get to her. They know the truth and that’s all that matters. She says, he’s a congressman and has to protect his image, and he says he’s not hiding how much she means to him. He’s going to be honest about his feelings. Willow says, having him to lean on makes all the difference, and he says he can’t believe he found her. She says, it feels like a dream, but he says, it’s real. They hug and Nina sees them.  

At the airport, Dante shows the desk clerk his badge and says, PCPD. He needs to get on that flight. The clerk says, too late. It’s already left the gate.

On the plane, Lulu looks at a photo of Charlotte on her phone and says, see you soon, sweetheart. Sitting a few seats back, Colette watches her.  

Tomorrow, Sasha tells Maxie that she decided to leave Port Charles; Jack wonders why something is of interest to someone; Jason says he’ll do anything to help Josslyn get closure; and Diane tells Michael that Willow is gearing up for battle

🔦 Passing the Torch…

Since Emma isn’t just in Port Charles for a visit and staying on, this makes more sense, as OG Emma has a day job as a nurse.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/brooklyn-rae-silzers-speaks-out-about-ghs-new-emma

🎄 Soap Celebrations…

Celebrities, they’re just like us… but they probably spend more doing it.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/see-how-your-favorite-soap-stars-celebrated-the-holidays

🐙  The Games Are Back…

I’ve only seen the first episode, but so far, it looks very promising. First, the teaser if you haven’t seen it.

https://ew.com/squid-game-season-2-teaser-lee-jung-jae-8737196

A rough outline, but no spoilers.

https://ew.com/squid-game-season-2-review-brutal-thrills-buildup-8763750

So many spoilers, I didn’t even read this.

https://people.com/squid-game-season-2-biggest-bombshells-explained-8765435

Is this guy kidding? The way they’re whittling seasons away, pretty soon a season will consist of one episode.

https://ew.com/squid-game-creator-split-seasons-2-and-3-too-many-episodes-8763970

👕 Facing the Ugly…

Oddly enough, I don’t own an ugly Christmas sweater. Although that may be a matter of perspective.

https://ew.com/watch-red-one-cast-face-off-ugly-sweater-competition-8746643

🎅 Christmas Memory Lane…

A shorter list is probably who hasn’t made a Christmas movie.

https://ew.com/celebrities-in-tv-christmas-movies-8760613

🎆 How They Celebrated…

More celebrities doing their holiday thing.

https://extratv.com/photos/image_jpg_20241226_3d14a79bbdd446f6bb1112b7763107b3/

🦕 Things You Don’t See Every Day…

🦉 It’s doubtful an owl is something you want to have in your house, but it’s too cool how perfectly he’s perched.

https://people.com/owl-flies-down-chimney-on-top-of-christmas-tree-rescued-8765133

🐈 A cat who’s found her Christmas niche.

https://people.com/cat-loves-watching-the-grinch-on-repeat-8763113

🦎 More animals we didn’t know we had.

https://people.com/scientist-discovers-27-new-species-peru-alto-mayo-landscape-8763717

🎁 Box This…

Hope you had a merry and a happy whatever it is you celebrate. Join me tomorrow for soap and what to watch (or not). Until then, stay safe; stay not feeling you have to make any New Year’s resolutions; and stay remembering that one person can make a difference.

December 23, 2024 – Christmas Eve In Port Charles, nuEmma, Which One, Getting Ready, Is It On, Movie Watch, Holidays Are For Pets (!), Quote Quintet & Ay-Ay-Ay  

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Laura sees Lucky and Elizabeth in Rice Plaza and says she’s glad to see them. She can’t tell them how happy she is to have both Lucky and Lulu home for Christmas.

Tracy goes to answer the door and wonders if the entire staff has Christmas Eve off. She opens the door and Lulu is there. She says, Lulu doesn’t have to knock. This is her home. They hug, and Brook watches from the top of the stairs.

Sonny says, Carly never mentioned that Jack was coming, and Jack says, Carly took pity on him, but if he’s intruding… Carly says, he’s not. They have plenty of food and no one should be alone on Christmas Eve. Jack sees Josslyn and Kristina and says, Carly forgot to tell him about the dress code. Josslyn says, that’s okay. There are two excited little girls with stickers waiting for him upstairs. Sonny asks if Carly is sure about this.

Jason sees Ned in the nook, and Ned says he’s on cheese wheel duty. It’s a big responsibility. Jason says he’ll bring some up to Monica. She’s insisting that Olivia gave everyone the night off. Ned says, she must be feeling better. He’s sure Jason moving in helped, and she’s not the only one who’s glad and grateful that Jason decided to finally move back home.

A girl runs up to Gio and says, sorry I’m late, Doug. Hold onto this. She presses a wallet into his hand and runs off. He says his name’s not Doug.

Alexis tells Ric that their daughter had a terrible year. She thought he’d want a chance to try and make it a tiny bit better. She’s willing to overcome her contempt for him to make their daughter happy. If he’s not willing to do the same, go have a fabulous evening.

Cody says he’s sorry he’s late, and James asks, what’s in the bag? Cody says, his favorite hat. He thought it was time he passed it on. He puts it on James’s head, but it’s too big, and everybody laughs.

Ric asks what Alexis’s plan is to make Molly’s Christmas better, and she gestures to the boxes. He says, Christmas decorations? and she says, if he doesn’t want help, there’s the door. He says he’s not going to let her play hero while she makes him the bad guy. What’s first? She tells him to slap a piece of tape over his mouth and unpack the boxes, and he says, Ho-ho-ho. Let’s get festive.

Tracy says, Lulu can’t look for Charlotte on her own. The WSB and the FBI are already looking. Lulu says, they’re looking for Valentin. She doesn’t care about Valentin, but she does care about Charlotte. She’s going to do what it takes to find her. Tracy says she can see Lulu’s father in her. She suggests Lulu wait to see if the authorities find her. If they don’t, she has the family’s resources. Lulu says she’ll hold off – for now – and Tracy says, promise her something else. She doesn’t want Lulu to forget she has a son who’s been waiting four years to celebrate Christmas with her. Promise she’ll be there for Rocco and the rest of her family. Promise not to forget them. Lulu says she could never, and thanks Tracy. They hug, and Tracy says she’s doing what her father would do. Brook continues to listen in.

Carly says, if Sonny has something to say, say it now while Jack is in the restroom, and Sonny asks if she really wants a WSB agent roaming around her house. She says, Jack’s been a good friend to her and to people they care about, and he says, when the day comes that she needs him, he’ll be there. She says she appreciates that, but doesn’t think it’s going to be necessary. Seeing the tension, Josslyn offers them a canape.

Kristina tells Michael that she’s sorry. Amelia and Wiley should be here. He says he’ll see them in the morning, and she asks if there’s any hope of reconciling. He says he’s not giving up, and she says, she feels for Willow. There’s nothing worse than realizing you did something you can’t take back no matter how much you wish you could. He says he’s not sure Willow does wish she could.

Ned says, if grandfather could see Jason living here, and Jason says he just moved in because of Danny. Ned says he prayed grandfather would cast Jason aside like Jason cast the family aside, but he never did. He believed in Jason. He thinks he’s starting to see what grandfather saw. Jason says, it took him a long time to realize Edward was a really good man, and Ned says, amen to that. He asks if Jason is joining them in opening presents tomorrow, and Jason says he and Danny will be there. Ned says, get ready for the Quartermaine craziness, and Jason asks if that isn’t every day.

Mac puts paper in the hat, but it’s still too big. Cody says he never had that problem. It’s the benefit of having a huge noggin. Felicia tells Sasha that she made James’s Christmas, but Sasha says she doesn’t think it took much convincing. It’s clear Cody wanted to be with family. They both did. Anna comes out in a Santa hat and Felicia says, nice hat, Santa Devane. Anna says, it’s got a nice ring to it, and Spinelli says, the search for a certain person on the naughty list is progressing nicely. Anna says, that brightens her Christmas Eve. When her special surprise arrives, there will be a lot of holiday cheer to go around.

Lucky says, Elizabeth seems at peace. How does she feel with everything going on at the hospital? She says, look at this place. The decorations, the lights, the tree. It’s the most magical place on earth. (Eat dust, Disney.) Her worries can wait for another day. Nothing beats Rice Plaza at Christmas. She can’t think of anywhere she’d rather be.

Maxie says, they told the kids they could open one present, and Spinelli says, they’ll find them. Maxie tells him to check in the usual spots.

Mac says, it means lot that Cody came. If he ever wants to talk… Cody says he’s not much of a talker, but if Mac ever feels like throwing a hatchet after a couple of beers, let him know. Mac says he’s there.

Dante arrives at the plaza with Rocco, who goes to get a churro. Elizabeth asks how things are at the Quartermaines, and Lucky says, if Dante wants a break, he’s sure Laura would love to see him. Dante says, maybe he’ll swing by, and he leaves. Elizabeth says, he’s putting up a good front, but he’s just going through the motions. Lucky says, if you’re not with the person you love, sometimes it’s all you can do.

Jordan sees Isaiah and says, it’s nice to see him have a night off, but he says he’s on his way to GH. He volunteered to take extra shifts. Jordan says, he’ll see her son. He canceled their Christmas Eve plans to do a double shift. Isaiah says he’s sorry, and she asks why he’s here. He says, the incredible Christmas tree. He wants to see what all the fuss is about. Full disclosure. He was hoping to run into her. He’s got something for her. He hands her a gift bag.

Laura says she can’t imagine how Dante is feeling. It’s not the Christmas he planned for himself and Rocco. Dante says, it’s not, but it’s great to see Rocco with his mom, and she says, spend Christmas with them. Being surrounded by family makes it easier. He says he doesn’t know if anything can make this Christmas easier.  

Carly toasts to the new owner of Aurora Media, and she and Michael clink glasses. Sonny says, that was quite the maneuver, and Carly says she would have loved seeing the look on Drew’s smug face when Michael pulled the rug out from under him. Michael says, he’s probably plotting his next move, and Sonny says, Michael will be ready for him.

Jack offers Josslyn his condolences. He’s sorry about Officer Heller. It was tragic and senseless. Josslyn says, this is her city, but how did he know about it? and he says, the Bureau gets information from local law enforcement. She asks how he knew they were together, and he says he’s sure her mother mentioned it.

Kristina says, they should probably get going to Rice Plaza for the tree lighting, and Sonny tells everyone, merry Christmas. He and Kristina leave.  

Chase asks if Brook is okay, and she says she has a confession about Lulu. She’s grateful for Lulu’s recovery and knows what it means to her family, but Lulu is annoying the hell out of her. She was watching Lulu with Tracy, and it took everything for her not to gouge Lulu’s eyes out. Chase asks if she’s jealous of Lulu and Tracy’s relationship, but Brook says, no. Lulu has to be the center of attention. He says, maybe she’s making up for lost time, but she says, Lulu has always been like this. Everyone loves Lulu and she’s never wrong… She’s listening to herself, and she sounds horrible. He says, she’s not horrible. She’s allowed to have feelings. He doesn’t know if he told her, but when he first moved here, he had a crush on Lulu.

Gio hears a guy say that he just had his pocket picked, when the girl comes up to him and says she needs the wallet back. He says, absolutely not. She stole it. She says, okay, guilty, but he had it coming.

Felicia tells Sasha and Anna, Cody is teaching James how to improve his lasso skills. She needs to get in there before he wrangles his sister. She leaves, and Sasha says she has something that she wants to talk to Anna about. She knows Anna was married to Robert and they share a daughter. Anna says, Robin, and Sasha says she wants to ask Anna’s opinion… Anna says, Robert is one of the most generous, kind-hearted men she’s known. Sasha is very fortunate to have him for a father. Sasha says she wishes she had a chance to get to know him, and Anna says, there will be time for that. Sasha says, if he comes back, but Anna says, he will. She guarantees it. And when he does, it will be worth it. Just wait and see.

Kristina says she thinks the tree is bigger than last year, and Laura says, partly because of her father’s generous donation. Sonny says, the community has given him so much. It’s important to pay it forward. Merry Christmas. Laura hugs him, touches Kristina’s hand, and leaves.

Jordan says, a towel? and Isaiah says, it’s a spa wrap with a Velcro closure to prevent slips. She says, in case she’s locked in another steam room? and he says, it never hurts to be prepared. She says, when they were stuck, her towel was never in danger of slipping, and he says, sadly, he’s all too aware. He should get going. They tell each other, merry Christmas, and he leaves.

Sonny says he wants Dante to know that he’s proud of how Dante is handling the holidays, and Dante says he learned from the best. Kristina says, they all did.

Jason sees Michael and Josslyn leaving Carly’s and asks if the party is over, but Josslyn says, it’s just begun. Michael says, Avery wants a snow family that she and Donna can see from the window, and Danny asks if he can help. Josslyn says, the more the merrier, and Michael tells Jason, heads up. His mom has a visitor. Jason goes in and sees, Carly laughing with Jack.

Alexis asks if Ric wants coffee, and he says he’d love a cup. She says, it’s in the kitchen (ha-ha-ha!), and they decorate while Deck the Halls plays. She wraps the lights around the tree, wrapping Ric along with it.  

Kristina asks Sonny, what’s with that Brennan guy? He and Carly seem close. Sonny says, that’s Carly’s business, and she asks if he doesn’t care. He says, the only thing he cares about is being here to celebrate with his beautiful daughter. Molly watches them from a distance, and Kristina says she loves being with him too.  

Gio says, give him one good reason not to call the cops, and the girl asks if doing a good deed on Christmas Eve isn’t more important.

Chase says, Brook is the only one for him. She was there for him when his dad passed and when Finn relapsed. She got him through some dark times. It’s just Lulu and it’s okay for Brook to have feelings. Brook says, God forbid she should be the bigger person, and Chase says, she’s too hard on herself. They both strive to be the best and they’re perfect for each other. She says she doesn’t know if she can reach perfection, but she can’t imagine going on this journey with anyone else. They hug.  

Lulu arrives at the plaza and tells Laura that it’s amazing. Is she ready for her tree lighting duties? Laura says she’s ready for anything. She has both of her kids home… She’s so sorry. She knows it’s not the perfect Christmas because Charlotte’s not here. She hopes Lulu finds a way to enjoy the holiday anyway, Lulu says, Christmas is about having faith, right? She has faith that she’ll find Charlotte and bring her home. Until then, she’s going to make up for the time she’s lost with the family she has here. Laura asks, where’s Dante and Rocco? and Lulu says she’ll go find them. Laura says, same old Lulu.

Carly tells Jason, it’s about time. Where’s Danny? Jason says, Danny is with Josslyn and Michael, and Jack says he’s already had the pleasure. He holds out his hand, but Jason doesn’t take it. Jason says he didn’t expect Jack to be here, and Jack says he hopes it’s not a problem. Carly says, it’s not, and Jack says he has to check in with the Bureau. He excuses himself, and Carly tells Jason, it’s Christmas and Jack had nowhere to go. He asks what she was thinking after everything that happened with the FBI. Now they’ll be put in the crosshairs of the WSB. She says, it’s not like that, but Jason says, Jack’s just using her. She says, Jason made that clear. She loves him, but he’s not the boss of her.

Alexis looks at the tree and says, they did a helluva job. Ric says, they raised an incredible daughter, even if she is a controlling shew. She says, he’s a conniving jackass, and points to another box of decorations. He takes out some mistletoe and holds it over his head. She snatches it away.

The girl tells Gio that the guy ripped off a woman in the plaza who was selling handmade ornaments. He paid for one and took five. She wanted to make sure the woman got what was owed to her. Gio asks what she’s going to do with the wallet, and she says he’ll have to trust her. He gives the wallet back to her and she takes some money out. She goes over to a cop and tells him that she found it. He says he’ll make sure it’s returned to its rightful owner, and she looks at Gio. Sonny and Kristina come along, and Kristina asks, what’s going on? Gio says he’s late for dinner at the Quartermaines. He got sidetracked by that girl. Kristina says, what girl? and when Gio turns around, he sees she’s gone.

Ned says, to Michael for pulling one over on Drew, and he and Tracy clink glasses. Lois says, corporate takeovers, the true meaning of Christmas, and Tracy says, pulling one over on Drew is the best gift she’s gotten this year… Do they hear that? Ned says he doesn’t hear anything, and she says, no kids. It’s truly a silent night. Lois says, get ready, Grandma Grinch. In a year or so, Brook and Chase will have a bundle of their own. Tracy says, they’ll have incessant crying, but Ned says, his first grandchild can’t come soon enough.

Ned says, Brook and Chase will be amazing parents, but Lois tells them not to put the cart before the horse. Brook isn’t pregnant yet, and the last thing they need is concern over the whole family waiting with bated breath. Brook and Chase come in, and Brook says, for what? Tracy says, Gio was supposed to be here an hour ago and no one knows where he is. (She’s quick!)

Molly goes to Alexis’s house, and the door opens. She sees Alexis and Ric.

As they come inside, Michael says, great job, team… Is everything okay? Carly says, Jason was just filling her in on what’s going on at the Quartermaines. How is the snow family? Michael says, ask Danny. He took the lead. Carly says, Donna and Avery will appreciate his effort. If he plays his cards right, he might get stickers on his face too. Michael asks if Josslyn is interested in defending her title as Holiday War champ, and she says she’ll kick his butt. Danny says he’s going out on the terrace, and Jason says he’ll join him. He could use some fresh air. Josslyn says she’ll shuffle, and Michael asks if she doesn’t trust him. She says, absolutely not, and Jack says, nice diversionary tactic. Jason says, Michael loves his sister.

Spinelli comes inside juggling a stack of presents, and says, they found them in the car. Maxie says she just remembered. She can’t believe she almost ruined Christmas. Spinelli says, never. The toys will be forgotten in a month’s time, but they’ll remember time with family forever. That’s what Christmas is about. Everyone is like, aww, and Maxie says, nothing can top what she got this year. Spinelli says, the two of them. He found this in the car too. He holds some mistletoe over his head, and they kiss.

Lulu asks if Dante is okay, and he says, aside from the fact he keeps expecting Sam to walk through here. People’s Christmas wishes don’t come true. She says she’s sorry, and he says, one person whose wish came true was Rocco. He’s happy Rocco is spending the holiday with his mom. They’re both grateful for that. Rocco sees a text that says: Hi. super cold here. is it there? miss u. luv u. have a great Christmas. XO C. Lulu says, is Rocco always on the phone? and Dante says, he is and it’s annoying. Rocco surreptitiously takes a photo of Lulu and Dante and sends it. His phone rings, and he says, where are you?… Yeah, she is… Hold on. He goes over to Lulu and asks if he could talk to her for a second. Dante says he’ll be over here, and Rocco says, Lulu has a phone call. She says, on his phone? and he says, just take it. She says, hello?… She gasps and says, oh my God. It’s you.

Molly says, they did this for her? and Ric says, it was her mom’s idea, but he was happy to play a small part. Molly says, it’s the best Christmas gift she could have gotten. She loves them both so much. Alexis says, they love her too.

Mac asks if Felicia ever thought it would turn out like this, and Felicia says, they’re the lucky ones. Anna’s phone dings and she says her surprise is here. She opens the door and nuEmma (see below) comes in. She hugs everybody, and Sasha asks if Cody isn’t glad that he came and didn’t it make him feel better. He doesn’t have to admit she’s right. Cody says he wasn’t planning on it. Merry Christmas. She says, merry Christmas.

Jason says he feels like Danny needs to get something off his chest, and Danny says, building the snowmen made him think of mom. They made a memory when she let him play hooky the day before winter break. Jason says, she wasn’t one for rules, and Danny says, they played in the snow for hours. It was the best day ever. He looks up and says he wonders where she is now. Jason says, with Danny. She’s with him too. When we lose people, they’re never really gone. They just become part of us. Danny asks if Jason sees that star, the really bright one. He thinks that’s mom watching over them. Jason says, merry Christmas, Sam, and Danny says, merry Christmas, mom. I love you. Jason puts his arm around Danny’s shoulders.

Michael says, that’s what he gets for letting Josslyn shuffle, and Josslyn asks if Jack wants to play. She thought the WSB is well versed in the rules of war. Jack says, deal him in. Let’s see what you’ve got. She’s like her mother; he can tell. Carly looks outside at Jason and Danny, and Jack says he’s scared. Josslyn says, he should be.

Gio says, sorry he’s late, but Brook says, he’s right on time for a favorite family tradition. She hands him his violin case, and Chase says, the family takes it seriously. Trina tells Chase to warm up his pipes. He’s leading tonight’s vocals. Chase sighs.

Ned plays guitar, while Gio plays the violin. Chase and Ned sing, O Come All Ye Faithful.  

Lulu says, Charlotte? and Charlotte says, mom. She’s been praying for this for so long. Lulu says, her prayer was answered. I’m back, baby. Where is she? Lulu will come get her. Charlotte says, she can’t, and Lulu asks what she means. Charlotte says she’s not supposed to call or text anyone, but she had to hear Lulu’s voice.  

Dante tells Laura that Rocco is talking to Lulu, when TJ comes into the plaza. Jordan says she thought he was on call, and he says he was, but Dr. Gannon offered to cover his shift. He refused to take no for an answer. Jordan says she’s glad he made it. It feels like Christmas. They hug, and Laura takes the mic. She says, bear with them. They’ll have the tree up and running in no time.

Lulu asks Charlotte to tell her where she is. She has to see her… Okay. She promises she won’t tell anyone. She swears, just her. Charlotte has her word… She’ll be there as soon as she can. Rocco comes over and asks if she found out where Charlotte is. Lulu says she did, and he asks when they’re leaving. She says, she’s leaving right away. She told Charlotte that she’d be alone, and she can’t break her promise. She can’t risk losing Charlotte. She needs Rocco to do her a favor. Keep tonight’s call between them. Please. He says, okay. He will, for Charlotte. She hugs him and says she loves him so much. He says he loves her too. She says she’s going to make their family whole again. She promises. She runs off and he says, merry Christmas, mom.  

Laura says, here we go, and turns on the tree. She says, merry Christmas to all of us, and everyone applauds.  

On Friday, Brook asks if Chase is saying he wants to stop trying; Willow tells someone that they have no right to judge her; Michael wonders if he should just let Willow go; Jack tells someone that they know what to do; and Kristina tells Sonny that she hopes she’s up for the job.

🏨 My You’ve Changed…

No explanation as to why the old Emma wasn’t cast, but if I remember correctly, her day job/career is pretty demanding.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/braedyn-bruder-is-the-new-emma-on-general-hospital

🎉 Who’d You Rather…

I wouldn’t mind sitting in on a Quartermaine holiday. An outsider has a better chance of remaining unscathed. Plus, when the big blow-up happens and everyone storms off, more shrimp for me.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/abc/spend-holidays-with-daytime-favorite-families

🎄 Holiday Prep…

Ready… set… holiday!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/see-how-the-stars-are-getting-ready-for-the-holidays

🧼 Holly Jolly Soap Or No…

GH will be airing a rerun tomorrow from May 22nd and Christmas Day is all about football.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/find-out-if-your-favorite-soaps-are-going-to-be-on-at-christmas-2024

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

While I’d like that nearly two hours of my life back from Subservience, Speak No Evil was time well spent. Having seen James McAvoy in Split, I was confident that it would be halfway decent, but this surpassed expectations. The plot wasn’t anything new. A couple on vacation meets another couple and gets an invite to their farm. We’ve seen before what happens when you visit a virtual stranger and it’s never anything good. because they’re never who they say they are. It’s the same here, but done so well, I still didn’t know where they were going with it. I always know a movie is good if I make a lot of noises – like, Ooh! Ay! Gaah! – and noises I made. It starts slow with the set-up, although there are enough odd moments to keep it interesting, and when it gets rolling, it doesn’t stop until the end. McAvoy didn’t disappoint, and he met his match with the other performances, especially – dare I say it? – the children. I was shocked to read (see SyFy article below) that it was Dan Hough’s first film, as he stunned me with his acting skills. Job. Well. Done.

https://screenrant.com/james-mcavoy-speak-no-evil-movie-streaming/

https://decider.com/2024/12/06/speak-no-evil-2024-streaming-movie-review

Some interesting factoids. I thought the farm was amazing and I was mesmerized by the details.

https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/5-terrifying-details-behind-the-scenes-of-speak-no-evil

Spoilers all over the place about the original Swedish film. The revamp is different, but fair warning.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/watched-original-speak-no-evil-2022-unsettling

🐕 Warm and Fuzzy Holidays…

Full disclosure. I actually have a dog nativity. Although it looks more like a bunch of ceramic dogs with one in a basket. These are pretty impressive.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/pets/dogs-take-center-stage-as-nativity-characters-this-christmas/ar-AA1w3gHn

https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/pets/over-175-dogs-dressed-up-as-nativity-characters-for-christmas/article_63334713-70df-5596-ab4d-3945444fdcd2.html

Cutest presents ever, but please, never give someone a pet as a gift for real.

Pets love Hanukkah too!

Pet safety.

https://paradepets.com/dogs/how-to-keep-your-dog-safe-around-christmas-tree

Hannah & El Wray Wish You a Happy Holiday!

🎅 Quotes of the Week

The thing about Christmas is, it’s never just about the one you’re celebrating now, it holds the memories of all the other Christmases, and the ones you shared them with. – Aunt Stella (Vernee Wilson), General Hospital

Happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. – Frederick Koenig

If your goal is to enjoy some genuine joie de vivre this holiday season, keep in mind that the simplest acts of generosity, connection, and self-care can offer the biggest rewards. – 11 Ways to Experience Holiday Joy

I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. – Ebeneezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One! – Narrator, A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

🎁 Merry Everything To You…

Since there’s no new GH tomorrow and Bravo is in holiday mode, come back on Friday for soap and a post-game holiday review. Until then, stay safe; stay enjoying whatever holiday you celebrate, or if you celebrate none, stay enjoying your extra day off; and stay not being too hard on yourself, but still striving to be the best.

December 22, 2024 – All the Holiday Genres, Christmas Day Out, A Little Kranky, Their Story Today, Non-Holiday Movie Holiday Movie & All

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Ho-Ho-Holiday Watch

🎬 Pick Your Genre…

A cavalcade of holiday movies of all kinds. Hallmark:

https://ew.com/festive-hallmark-movies-to-watch-now-8765403

The Classics:

https://ew.com/best-classic-christmas-movies-8760598

The Best Ever (obviously, that depends on your perspective, but it’s a good list):

https://ew.com/best-christmas-movies-all-time-8759526

TV Episodes:

https://ew.com/best-christmas-tv-episodes-8752560

For the Adults… no, not that kind of adult movie, but for a more mature palate:

https://people.com/adult-christmas-movies-to-watch-8765245

Horror (also for the adults – please no traumatizing the kids about Santa):

https://ew.com/best-christmas-horror-movies-8763884

Watch them all.

https://ew.com/how-to-watch-christmas-movies-2024-8728376

🎅🏽 What Santa Does On His Day Off…

For those who actually go to the movies on Christmas Day. I saw The Hateful 8 on Christmas the year it came out. Because nothing says Merry Christmas like a Quentin Tarantino movie. It was pretty crowded, but manageable.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/22/entertainment/christmas-movie-theaters-tradition-cec/index.html

💃🏼 Scrooge’s Slutty Sis…

I love how down to earth she is. Christmas with the Kranks is not awful either.

https://ew.com/jamie-lee-curtis-calls-herself-scrooge-slightly-slutty-sister-8765339

🎄 He Still Has Both Eyes…

Definitely one of the best and a favorite of mine. Both TNT and TBS will be doing the usual 24 hour Christmas marathon.

https://ew.com/a-christmas-story-cast-then-and-now-8752558

🐶 Framed By the Holiday…

Even though it’s not technically a Christmas movie, it does begin and end on Christmas. While the animated classic is beautiful, I loved the live action remake.

https://loudandclearreviews.com/lady-and-the-tramp-review/

Take this with tongue in cheek. After all, it is a cartoon from 1955.

https://www.looper.com/255113/things-only-adults-notice-in-lady-and-the-tramp/

Merry Everything

🦌 A Reindeer Walks Into a Bar…

Join me tomorrow for soap and the usual. Until then…

December 4, 2024 – Jason Throws In With Anna, Salty Talk, Big Apple Bite, Two Movie Watch, Parade Pix, The Tree, Unconventional & Hazy

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Ric and Ava meet at the PC Grill for a drink. Ava tells the server to put it on her tab, but Ric says she may want him to pay for his own drink, and she asks, why?

Molly goes to see Alexis, who tells her that Kristina is back in her own place. Molly says she’s sure Alexis is worried about Kristina, and Alexis says, before she was thrown out of the courtroom, it was excruciating to watch. She believes the jury will go for convicting Ava, and Molly asks if they were in two different courtrooms. There’s no way the jury is going to convict Ava.

Jordan meets Curtis in his office, and he says, Drew is going to double-cross him with Aurora. Jordan asks if he’s sure. Aren’t they friends? He says he thought so, until he heard Drew offer Michael the job.

Dante brings a six-pack of beer to the stables, and Cody asks, what’s up? Dante says he’s stupefied and stumped, and Cody asks if that’s why they’re drinking. Dante says, they’re going to drink to Lulu, and Cody asks if she’s still improving. Dante tells him, you could say that. She’s awake.

Anna tells Jason, now that Lulu is awake, they have to find Charlotte. She knows it’s on her that Charlotte went into hiding with Valentin, but she thought it was the right thing. She felt guilty about the shooting and was reckless. Jason says, she has to stop.

Laura goes into the apartment, sees Lulu, and drops all of her stuff on the floor. Lulu says, hi, mom, and they hug.

Dante tells Cody, it was classic Lulu. She wakes up from a coma, breaks out of Turning Woods, and hitchhikes here. Can he believe that? Cody says, yeah, he thinks he can. He picked up a hitchhiker, a petite blonde in a hoodie. He swore there was something familiar about her. Dante asks where he picked her up, and Cody says, when he was coming back from Beecher’s Corners. Dante says, that goes past Turning Woods. Didn’t Cody realize it was her? Cody says he thought she was still in a coma, and Dante asks what she said. Cody says, she told him some story about a fight with her boyfriend. She was quick, funny, and not entirely trustworthy. Dante says, a Spencer through and through, and Cody asks how he’s taking it. Dante says he’s figuring it all out. Lulu was asleep for so long, and now she’s awake and talking and Lulu again. It feels like some kind of miracle.

Lulu and Laura snuggle on the couch, and Laura says she knew Lulu would come back. She never gave up on her. Lulu says she can’t remember much, but she felt Laura’s presence when she was there. She still smells like mom. Laura says, good thing she remains loyal to her brand of perfume, and Lulu says she can’t believe it’s been so long. Laura says, she has a lot to absorb, but don’t get overwhelmed. She’s so happy Lulu is safe. Lulu says, maybe not. When she woke up, Cyrus was talking to her doctors. Laura says she’s sorry. He’ll never get close to her again. She’s taking out a restraining order. Lulu tells her that Lucky said Cyrus was her uncle, and Laura says, Cyrus is her half-brother. She made it clear that doesn’t give him the right to have a relationship with Lulu. Lulu says, so much has changed. She went to her house and found a little boy demanding to know what she was doing in his house. Laura says, Maxie lives there now, and Lulu says she knows now, but Laura is right. She’s missed out on so much. Like her dad. Laura says she’s so sorry, and Lulu cries. Laura says, her dad loved her so much.

Alexis says, Molly has a different view of how the trial went. She’s sorry she was removed. What happened after she was ejected? Molly says, the defense dad presented was masterful, and Alexis asks if she thinks he convinced the jury Ava was innocent. Molly says she doesn’t know, but he convinced her.

Ava asks Ric if she’s missing something. The jury saw that Kristina was unstable and she fell apart on the stand. That’s a good thing, right? He says he took a calculated risk. The jury may decide Kristina is an unstable, out of control liar or they might decide to go after the ruthless defense attorney who made a devastated, grieving mother cry.

Curtis tells Jordan that he’s not saying Drew owes him the position, but he wasn’t given a chance to show that he’s the best choice. Instead, Drew went behind his back and is closing him out. She says she doesn’t get it. Not only are they friends, Curtis has done a great job. Is it a family loyalty thing? He says, complicated Quartermaine stuff, and she asks what he’s not telling her. He says he doesn’t know why he’s protecting Drew. Something is going on between Drew and Michael’s wife. He said they just kissed, but Michael hinted at something more. Drew is trying to make it up to Michael. She says, by offering him Aurora, and Curtis says, and leaving him out in the cold. She says, collateral damage; unappreciated and undervalued.  

Jordan says she didn’t see that coming. She got the impression there was something between Drew and Nina. Curtis says, there’s something going on there too, and she says, and he’s involved with her daughter? It’s beyond messy. She’s sorry he got pulled in. He says, when Drew told him that he and Willow kissed, he said there were feelings involved. He warned Drew to back off, but Drew didn’t listen and he’s suffering the consequences. Michael wants him to help get revenge. She says, tread carefully and don’t trust Michael. He has his own agenda. Curtis says, Quartermaines playing Quartermaine games, and she says, if he wants to win, he needs to play them both. He says, she has a beautiful mind, when TJ comes in. He says, it looks like they’re in the middle of something, and Curtis asks if he’s okay. TJ says, it’s not a big thing, but he needs a place to stay tonight. He and Molly are taking a break.

Molly says, Ric used her testimony to establish how angry Kristina was when she got the subpoena. Then Ava spoke to Kristina’s state of mind. Alexis wonders why anyone would believe a word out of that woman’s mouth, and Molly says she’s no fan of Ava’s, but her story made sense. Kristina came there enraged and looking for a fight. Ava grabbed her arm, she tripped, and fell. Alexis says, maybe they had the wrong prosecutor, but Molly says, she did the best she could. The only reason it even went before a judge is because a child died and they want someone to pay. They’re not looking for justice. They’re blinded by revenge.

Cody says he’d be freaking out, and Dante says he was. He thinks he’s in shock. Lulu is alive and Sam is gone. Cody says, one can’t replace the other. He wishes there was something he could say or do. Dante says, it’s good to chat and have a beer. Brook runs in and tells Cody that she and Chase finally got some alone time. The next time her grandmother calls him, pick up, or there will be hell to pay.

Lulu tells Laura that she heard someone say, mom, and it was Rocco, her little boy instantly grown up. Laura says she knows it was a shock, but Rocco must be over the moon, and Lulu says she is too. Laura says, he’s grown up. They spend a lot of time playing Fortune Quest. She’s a gamer now and she’s pretty good. Lulu says she needs a minute to process and asks if Laura would mind calling Valentin. She wants to talk to Charlotte.  

Jason says, Anna let get Valentin get away, but she’s not responsible for his actions. He could have left Charlotte with Laura or stayed and faced the charges, but he chose to run. Anna says, Charlotte is missing because of her. She would have moved heaven and earth to find Robin, and now she put Lulu in her own position. Jason says he’s as much to blame as she is.

Laura says, there’s something she has to tell Lulu, when Doc comes in. He and Lulu hug, and he says, Laura told him that she was awake, but he wasn’t sure he believed it. They’ve been waiting so long. Lulu says she loves to make an entrance, and he asks how she feels. She must be overwhelmed. If there’s anything he can do, let him know. Laura asks, where’s Ace? and Doc says, he was having a good time with the nanny, so he said Ace could spend the night. That way, she and Lulu will have more time together. He goes to the kitchen to get something to eat, and Lulu asks, who’s Ace? Laura says, Nikolas’s son, her nephew, and Lulu says, Nikolas has another son and he’s living here? Laura says, sadly, Nikolas is in prison, and Lulu says, Lucky told her. What about Ace’s mom? Laura says, she died, and Lulu says, that’s awful, but Laura took him in. It’s amazing. How is Spencer coping with his new baby brother?

Ava asks, what happened to the lawyer she had coffee with this morning, who said they were going to win? Ric says he wanted her testimony to be confident and steady in contrast with Kristina’s, and she asks if he lied. He says he took an optimistic view, and she asks if it’s waned. He tells her to ignore him. He doesn’t like waiting for verdicts. There’s nothing to do but question every call he made. She says, it should lift his spirits that he got two of his desired outcomes already. Her testimony was confident and steady, and Molly has forgiven him for defending her.

Alexis asks if Molly is sure she’s not preparing herself in case Ava is acquitted, but Molly says she’s accepted it was an accident. If Kristina wants to blame Ava for the rest of her life, she’ll have to do it alone. She can’t anymore. Alexis says she hopes whatever the outcome, everyone is able to accept it and turn the page, and Molly says, that’s her plan. For so long she’s been angry, defensive, and bitter. It was time to realize that sometimes bad things happen and sometimes you lose the people you love. Alexis says she admires Molly, and if Molly is able to find peace, she’s glad. Molly thanks her for accepting that. TJ couldn’t.  

TJ says, Molly thinks he’s pushing her to feel grief like he is, and Curtis says, is he? TJ says he thought they could help each other, but Molly shut down, and Jordan asks if they’re growing apart. TJ says he doesn’t want to admit it, but the grief was too much. Where does that leave him? Jordan says, Irene was his baby girl. Don’t feel guilty for grieving however he needs to. Curtis says, grief is personal, and TJ says he tried to help. Curtis says, he stepped up, going to the courtroom with Molly, and TJ says, Aunt Stella convinced him to go. Not for Molly, but for himself. But hearing it was an accident, he wishes he hadn’t. Curtis asks if he blames Ava or Kristina, and TJ says, Kristina never should have gone to Ava’s hotel room. She’s been reckless and irresponsible her whole life. He didn’t want her to be their surrogate in the first place. Because of Kristina’s decision, their baby is dead. Molly decided it was a tragic accident. Jordan says, he doesn’t agree? and TJ says he doesn’t, and he told Molly, but he had to tell the truth. He doesn’t see how they can possibly find a way back, they’re so far apart.

Lulu says she can’t believe Spencer is gone without a trace, and Laura says, he loved Ace so much. Lulu says, Nikolas… what a turn of events, and Laura says, he gave into all of his worst instincts, but in the end, he did the right thing and turned himself in. He’ll be happy to hear from her. Lulu says, first she wants to call Charlotte, and Laura says, to the best of her knowledge, Charlotte is well and safe, but Valentin got into trouble and disappeared in July. Unfortunately, he took Charlotte with him. She’s so sorry.

Brook says, Tracy is blowing up her phone because Cody won’t answer, and Cody asks why she’s calling. Brook says she’ll just call Tracy back and say he’s too busy drinking beer, and Dante says, that’s Brook’s speed, ratting them out like in the old days. Cody says, like when she threatened to tell the camp counselors if they didn’t put the canoes back in the boathouse, and Dante says, they were just borrowing them. Brook says, they were stealing them, and looking at his phone, Cody says, Tracy has texted, called, and emailed. He suggests Brook take a beer back to Chase, but Brook says, Cody is going to need it when granny chews him out. Dante says he doesn’t know if she will when she hears the news, and Brook asks if everything is okay. Dante says, Lulu’s awake.

Laura says, Valentin did something illegal, and the FBI was going to arrest him, but he disappeared before they could. Lulu asks if the FBI or WSB are looking for Charlotte, and Laura says, both of them are and she’s using all her resources. She reached out to Anna and Anna is doing everything in her power to locate Charlotte. Lulu says she doesn’t know what Anna can do, since she and Valentin hate each other, but Laura says, that’s another thing. They were actually involved. Anna knows his patterns and habits. She’s the best person to track him down. Lulu says, Valentin is on the run again and putting Charlotte at risk. Charlotte doesn’t even know she’s awake. Laura says, they will get Charlotte back, she promises. She never gave up Lulu and she won’t give up on Charlotte. Charlotte will come back to Lulu.

Anna says she involved Jason. She asked him to hold up on giving Cates the phone so Valentin could escape. Jason says he takes responsibility for his own choices, but Anna says she took advantage of him and put Charlotte at risk. She has to make this right. He says she has to get past this guilt. She has to stop beating herself up. She needs to think clearly about what needs to happen next. She asks if he’s still in, and he says he’s in. They’re going to find Charlotte together.

Ava says she saw the look on Molly’s face during Ric’s closing argument. He convinced his daughter that her baby’s death was an accident. Ric says he wanted to give Molly peace, and Ava says she thinks he has. Please be straight with her. What is she looking at if she’s convicted? He says, maximum, 20 years, but a failsafe dropped in his lap. He suggests they raise a glass to it. Here’s to Ava’s real savior champion – Alexis Davis. Ava puts her glass down.

Molly tells Alexis, at least she and Kristina are communicating. Not like her and TJ.  

TJ tells Curtis and Jordan that they wore themselves out and stopped talking about anything that mattered. It was easier that way.

Molly says, they used to share everything. Something wasn’t real until she talked to TJ. She doesn’t know when that stopped being true.

TJ says they’d do anything to avoid a fight. Things got better the closer they got to Irene’s due date.

Molly says, they couldn’t wait to meet the baby. Once they held the baby in their arms, she thought it would close the distance between them.

TJ says he thought they’d be back where they started, as a family, being parents.

Molly says, but it didn’t happen.

TJ says, their world exploded. He doesn’t recognize them. He doesn’t know how to be Molly’s partner right now.

Molly says she wants to, but she can’t make TJ happy. She thinks the best thing to do is let him go. Alexis holds her.

Jordan hugs TJ.

Brook says she was not expecting great news, and Dante says, that’s why they’re having a couple of beers. Brook asks if Rocco knows, and Dante says, he had a nice reunion with his mom. She says she’s happy for him, and Dante says, the whole family. Brook’s phone rings, and she says, it’s granny again. She’ll call and let her know Hades is fine. Did they tell her about Lulu? Dante says he thinks they should let Lulu talk to Tracy, and Brook says, in that case, call Tracy back. She has business to attend to. She leaves, and Cody says he thought Brook would be happier, but Dante says, she and Lulu weren’t close. For one thing, back when he and Lulu were dating, Brook tried to break them up. Cody asks if Brook still wanted Dante back after all those years at camp.

Ric says, Alexis’s expulsion might give them grounds for an appeal or a mistrial, and Ava says she never thought she’d be grateful for that woman’s big mouth. They clink glasses, and she asks if Ric knew that would happen. He says he knows his ex-wife. He’s hoping an appeal is unnecessary and the jury goes their way. She says, he had the courtroom in the palm of his hand. The jury believed everything he said. So did she. Is he that good or does he finally believe in her?

Molly says, they wanted a baby so badly, without her, there’s nothing left, and Alexis says, sometimes grief brings people together; sometimes, it pulls them apart. Molly says, that’s exactly what happened. TJ thinks she’s rushing past it. Just because she’s not throwing herself on Irene’s grave like Kristina doesn’t mean she’s not feeling it. She’ll never stop grieving their baby and her last chance to be a mother. Alexis asks what she’s saying, and Molly says, this loss, this sadness changed her. She’s not the same person she was before. Alexis says, give it time. Feelings change as the pain lessens. Molly says she doesn’t want another child. She’s done.

TJ says he can’t force motherhood on Molly. She felt betrayed by her own body, but instead of processing that reality, she had her mind set on having a child by any means necessary. After they lost their first baby, he wanted to pause, but Molly was so determined and despondent. Enter Kristina. He just wanted to make Molly happy. He saw them together forever, raising a family, growing old. He never imagined a future without her. Curtis suggests maybe counseling, but TJ says he knows they can’t go on like this, so they’re taking a break. That’s what they’re saying, but it feels like the start of a separation. Jordan says she’s sorry, and TJ says he tried, but he feels hopeless. Jordan asks if there’s anything she can do, but TJ says, there’s nothing anyone can do. Curtis says he gives TJ credit for trying, but there’s something to be said for it being time to take a break from all that trying. TJ says, Aunt Stella told him to share his feelings with Molly. He wonders, what if he’d tried harder? Jordan asks if he believes that, but TJ says, no. He realizes how much he wants a family and Molly doesn’t. It’s a lot to overcome. He guesses they both have to start over.

Cody says, Carly paid Brook to break up Lulu and Dante? Did it work? Dante says, no, and Lulu has a very long, mean memory. He’s going to check on Rocco. Good luck with Tracy. Cody hands Dante a lollipop and says, if he sees Lulu, give her this and tell her that she owes him 20 bucks. Dante leaves and Cody laughs.

Ava says, Nina warned her about Ric, and he says, enlighten him. She says, Nina told her that he was a user, but she defended him. He says, for the record, he believes her, and she thanks him. She says, not a lot of people in this town do. It’s nice to hear it from time to time. He says he believes her.

TJ says he still wants the best for Molly. He wants her to be happy, but he doesn’t think he can make her happy. Curtis says, he did everything right. He was honest with himself and Molly. Jordan says, it will be painful because they still have love, and Curtis says, TJ has to figure out where he’s going to go. He’ll have to run it by Portia, but TJ is more than welcome to stay with them. Jordan says, or her, and TJ says he loves them. Jordan says, he’s not alone. Remember that.

Molly thanks Alexis for not telling her that she might change her mind, and Alexis says she trusts that Molly knows what she wants. She wishes she could take the losses from her. Molly says she knows Alexis is grieving too. Sam was the strong one, the one holding them up. She misses Sam. Molly cries, and Alexis says she misses Sam too. Molly says she needs Sam so much, and Alexis holds her as she cries.

Lulu puts on her shoes, and Laura asks where she’s going. Lulu says she’s going to find her daughter. She’s not letting Valentin take her again. She’ll start at Windymere. Laura says, there’s no one there. It’s been abandoned for over a year. (Um… Didn’t someone buy it from Ava for a skabillion dollars?) Lulu clutches her side, and Laura asks if it’s her incision. She calls to Doc, and Lulu says she needs to find Charlotte. Laura says she promises they will, but now she has to get Lulu to GH to make sure she’s all right. Don’t argue. She’s taking care of Lulu tonight.  

Anna thanks Jason, but he says he hasn’t done anything yet. She says, for having her back even when she’s in the wrong about something, and he asks if anyone’s ever told her that she’s too hard on herself. She says, it doesn’t matter. She hopes he has a new angle to pursue. Every lead she’s had goes to the same dead end. He says he has an idea, and she asks, what is it? He says he’s going to give Valentin an incentive to bring Charlotte back, and he leaves.

Tomorrow, Jordan says she can’t let Isaiah sigh that contract; Carly asks if Anna is saying Jason helped Valentin escape; and Jason offers someone an out.

🧂 You Got Salt In My Pepper…

I didn’t pay a lot of attention to this tonight, but I’m growing weary of people being kicked out or storming out of parties. Tonight it was Angie’s turn to get the boot from Meredith’s bas mitzvah for slut shaming Britani’s hair and then Britani. As Bowling for Soup so eloquently put it, high school never ends. Angie practically had to be physically extracted from the building, and in Lisa’s interview, she said, Angie remembers the reaction, but not what she did to provoke it. I absolutely know people who do this, although I call it, skipping over their part which started it. But my main question for tonight was, how is hair a little porn-ish? What does that even mean?

https://people.com/rhoslc-meredith-marks-has-angie-k-escorted-out-of-her-bat-mitzvah-8756319

Mary was also on Watch What Happens Live tonight.

🗽 Traveling Back In Time…

In case you wanted more of the skinny on last night’s RHONY.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

In addition to the too many series I have going on, I caught up on a couple of films I wanted to see. Civil War wasn’t the movie I thought it was from the clips I’d seen. It was less about the war than it was about the journalists covering it, but I wasn’t disappointed. I’d always identified most with Al on Fear the Walking Dead, how she kept filming for posterity, and I’m intrigued by journalists who get down in the trenches by choice. The thought of a civil war in the US is a scary one, and this film doesn’t explain the details, but we do know there’s a rogue president who’s in the White House for a third term and is doing whatever he likes, the Constitution be damned. One faction is out to kill him and another out to protect him. A lot of the war scenes are brutal, but the cinematics are brilliant, and the cast is stellar.

No spoilers.

Definitely spoilers.

https://screenrant.com/civil-war-movie-what-started-war-explanation-wish/

Excellent interview.

https://deadline.com/2024/11/civil-war-kirsten-dunst-interview-1236188167/

On the other hand, I was glad I only lost an hour and a half out of my life to watch I Saw the TV Glow. If you like artsy coming-of-age allegories, this one is for you. It wasn’t for me. Like We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, this had a great premise, but I wanted… more?… something else?… more horror, less allegory?  Was it too YA for me? I understand Martin Scorsese loved it and that it’s up for several Spirit awards, but I think better can be done to get the point across. The main characters, Owen, who’s on the spectrum, lonely, and neglected, and Maddy, who’s in the closet, lonely, and neglected, are obsessed with a TV show called The Pink Opaque. I actually loved the show within the show and would have liked to see more of it, especially the villain Mr. Melancholy, who was decidedly creepy. I was also moved by a poignant and telling scene where Owen sees the show again years later and it’s not what he remembered. It was a beautifully sad illustration of how we look at things with excitement and magic when we’re young, but when we’re older, we see how mundane they really are. So yeah, it had some great moments, but there were also stretches of nothingness that could have shaved a good twenty minutes off of the film. It might have been better served as a Black Mirror episode. I was a little unsettled when Maddy disappeared and all they found was her TV set. I’m hoping that won’t be me.

Oh, I’m also convinced that a lot of more recent shows/films take place in the 80s or 90s just so they can have a fabulous soundtrack.

https://www.avclub.com/i-saw-the-tv-glow-movie-review-1851326195

There will be spoilers.

https://gamerant.com/i-saw-the-tv-glow-ending-explained/

https://www.avclub.com/martin-scorsese-i-saw-the-tv-glow

☔️ Don’t Rain On My Parade…

Highlights from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I half-ass watched it, since I was cleaning up my email before the food commenced. My main takeaway point was, Ariana Madix needs to learn how to lip sync if she’s going to do this kind of thing. It was not a good look.

https://people.com/2024-macys-thanksgiving-parade-best-photos-8753195

https://macysthanksgiving.fandom.com/wiki/The_98th_Annual_Macy%27s_Thanksgiving_Day_Parade_(2024)/Gallery

🎄 No Escaping It Now…

If Black Friday didn’t do it, the holiday season has officially begun with the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This is another event you’re better off watching on TV. I used to work in one of the buildings in Rockefeller Center, so I decided to stick around after work one year to watch. It’s nearly as crowded as Grand Central the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, which – take it from me – is as crowded as it gets. And good luck if you have to go to the bathroom.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/rockefeller-christmas-tree-lighting-2024-live-updates-rcna182186

This year’s tree.

https://people.com/sweet-story-behind-2024-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-8756156

🦬 It’s Raining Orangutans and Bearded Dragons…

For the most part, don’t try this at home.

🐺 Winter: It’s Not Just For Starks Anymore…

Join me tomorrow for soap and whatever the airwaves bring. Until then, stay safe; stay making a holiday shopping list and staying committed to it; and stay never feeling guilty for grieving however you need to.